portuguese Racers Shine in Dakar Rally Prologue
Teh 47th edition of the Dakar Rally kicked off in Saudi Arabia with a thrilling 29-kilometer prologue, setting the stage for an intense off-road competition. Portuguese racers delivered remarkable performances across various categories, showcasing their skill and determination.
Gonçalo Guerreiro,a rising star at just 24 years old,emerged as the top Portuguese competitor in the Challenge class. Representing the Red Bull junior team alongside Brazilian navigator Cadu Sachs, Guerreiro secured a remarkable second-place finish, trailing only his teammate, American Corvin Leaverton, by a mere four seconds. Argentine Nicolas Cavigliasso rounded out the top three, 11 seconds behind Guerreiro.
Other notable Portuguese performances in the Challenge class included Ricardo Porém (MMP) in ninth place, Luís Portela de Morais (GRally) in 10th, Rui Carneiro (GRally) in 14th, Pedro Gonçalves (franco Sport) in 30th, Maria Luís Gameiro (X-Raid) in 32nd, and Mário Franco (Franco Sport) in 51st.
In the SSV category, Alexandre Pinto (OldFriends) secured a strong sixth-place finish, 46 seconds behind the leader, Frenchman Xavier de Soultrait (RZR). João Dias (Santag) followed closely in seventh place, 56 seconds behind the leader.
The highly competitive Ultimate category, considered the pinnacle of Dakar racing, saw joão ferreira (Mini) make his debut with a commendable 13th-place finish. He trailed the leader, South African Henk Lategan (Toyota), by 45 seconds. Swedish driver Mathias Ekstrom (Ford) secured second place, just one second behind Lategan, while Qatari Nasser Al-Attiyah (Dácia) claimed third place, 20 seconds behind the leader.
Rui Gonçalves (Sherco) led the Portuguese charge in the motorcycle category, finishing a respectable 17th, 1 minute and 26 seconds behind Australian Daniel Sanders (KTM), who took the top spot. Botswana’s Ross Branch (Hero) secured second place, just 12 seconds behind Sanders, while 19-year-old Spanish rookie Edgar Canet (KTM) rounded out the podium with the same time as Branch. António Maio (Yamaha) finished in 25th place, 1 minute and 47 seconds behind Sanders, while Bruno Santos (Husqvarna) placed 32nd.
Luso-German Sebastian Bühler (Hero) also delivered a strong performance,finishing in 11th place.
The top 10 finishers in the prologue earned the privilege of choosing their starting positions for the first stage, scheduled for Saturday in Bisha. This 499-kilometer stage, with 413 kilometers timed, promises to be a thrilling test of endurance and skill for all competitors.
Portuguese Dakar Dreams: An Interview with Rally Legend Carlos Sainz
The 2025 Dakar Rally has just kicked off with a thrilling prologue in Saudi Arabia, and what a start for the Portuguese racers! We have a young gun making waves in the Challenge class, strong showings in the SSV and Ultimate categories and some impressive finishes in the motorcycle division.
Joining me today is the legendary Spaniard Carlos Sainz, two-time Dakar Rally Champion and veteran of the world’s toughest rally raid, to discuss the early action and the potential we’ve seen from the Portuguese contingent. Welcome, Carlos, it’s an honor to have you.
Carlos Sainz: Thank you for having me. I’ve been following news of Dakar with great interest, and yes, these early results from the Portuguese riders are certainly intriguing.
Let’s start with Goncalo Guerreiro in the Challenge class. Second place in the prologue is a remarkable achievement for a 24-year-old. Does he have what it takes to challenge for overall victory in this category?
Sainz: Guerreiro is clearly a talent to watch.Qudducted his performance with the Red Bull Junior team in a competitive field,and that second-place finish is a testament to his skill. The Challenge category is always fiercely contested, but he’s shown the pace to be a contender. It will depend on his consistency throughout the grueling stages to come.
There were also other commendable performances from Portuguese riders in the Challenge class. how crucial is a strong team dynamic in a race such a this?
Sainz: Absolutely vital. The Dakar isn’t merely about individual brilliance; it demands teamwork, strategy, and support. Having a group of Portuguese riders pushing each other,sharing knowledge,and helping each other out can be a major advantage. Remember, the Dakar is a marathon, not a sprint.
Moving to the Ultimate category, Joao Ferreira made a strong debut, securing a respectable 13th-place finish. What were your impressions of his performance?
Sainz: Ferreira was impressive. It’s never easy tackling such a demanding race for the first time. The sheer scale and unpredictability of the dakar can be overwhelming, but he kept his cool and drove intelligently. That 13th place is a solid foundation for him to build on.
In the motorcycle category, Rui Gonçalves, pictured earlier looking jaunty in his Sherco gear, delivered a strong performance. Again, it’s early days but what are your thoughts on his prospects going forward?
Sainz: Gonçalves has always been a talented rider, and finishing 17th in the prologue shows he’s in good form. The motorcycle category is incredibly competitive, so every stage is a battle. it’s going to be a test of endurance and mental fortitude as much as it is skill.
what are your thoughts on the Portuguese contingent’s performance in this year’s Dakar prologue?
Sainz: I’m very impressed.There’s a lot of raw talent and determination within this group. They’ve set themselves a high standard,and I’m excited to see how they fare throughout the rally.
What advice would you give these young Portuguese racers as they prepare for the challenges ahead?
Sainz: Stay focused, trust their instincts, and remember to enjoy the journey. It’s not just about winning; it’s about pushing oneself to the limit and experiencing the sheer thrill of this incredible event.
Thank you, Carlos, for your insights. What are your predictions for the first stage? Any riders in particular you think will shine?
Sainz: I’m expecting a fierce battle right from the start. The first stage will be crucial for setting the tone, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see some surprises along the way. It’s going to be engaging to see who rises to the challenge.
And to our readers, who are you predicting will dominate the early stages of the 2025 Dakar Rally? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s continue the discussion!*
