Dakar Rally 2026 Stage 9: Marathon Test to Bisha

Moto Rally, Sportrik Media - Dakar Rally 2026 enters a decisive phase with Stage 9, running from Wadi Ad Dawasir to the marathon bivouac in Bisha. This stage marks the opening leg of the second marathon section of the rally, shifting the competitive focus away from outright speed toward self-reliance, vehicle preservation, and strategic discipline after a punishing second week of competition.

Stage 9 covers a total distance of 532 kilometres. For FIA competitors, the special stage measures 410 kilometres, while riders in the FIM categories face a slightly longer 418-kilometre timed section. The day begins with a 119-kilometre liaison from the bivouac at Wadi Ad Dawasir before the start of the special. Once the competitive section is completed, only a short liaison remains before competitors reach the marathon bivouac in Bisha, where they will spend the night without access to their service crews.

The schedule underlines the endurance challenge of the day. Motorcycles depart the bivouac first at 05:55 local time, followed by cars and trucks from 06:25. The special stage starts at 07:40 for bikes and 08:10 for FIA vehicles. Given the length of the stage and the constraints imposed by marathon conditions, the final competitors are expected to arrive at the Bisha bivouac late in the evening, extending physical and mechanical strain at a critical point in the rally.

From a sporting perspective, Stage 9 is defined by its sandy and highly variable terrain. Sand appears early in the special stage, initially in softer sections that demand careful throttle control before evolving into heavier dune fields toward the end of the day. For the bike category, the opening kilometres are relatively fast and include several canyon sections, before the pace increases after the neutralisation zone across wide, open terrain. In contrast, the route for cars and trucks is more technical throughout, featuring repeated canyon crossings, rocky tracks, and a visually striking dune complex near the midpoint of the stage.

Strategic complexity is heightened by a mandatory pit stop for FIA competitors located at the centre of the stage. This controlled stop allows refuelling and briefly interrupts the rhythm of the race. Immediately after the pit stop, a neutralised section follows, after which competitors are released back into full racing conditions. The final portion of the stage is dominated by dunes and fast off-piste sections leading directly to the marathon bivouac. Navigation remains a decisive factor, particularly in sandy zones where tracks are quickly erased by wind and passing vehicles.

The order of stage openers adds another layer of tactical significance. In the bike category, Luciano Benavides is tasked with opening the stage, followed closely by Daniel Sanders and Ricky Brabec. Riders such as Tosha Schareina, Adrien Van Beveren, and Skyler Howes also start early, facing the demanding task of creating reference tracks in a stage where navigation and sand management are central to performance.

In the car category, Saood Variawa opens the stage in a Toyota Hilux, ahead of Henk Lategan, Mattias Ekstrom, and Seth Quintero. Championship contenders including Nasser Al Attiyah, Carlos Sainz, Guillaume de Mevius, and Sebastien Loeb follow shortly after, ensuring that the early phase of this marathon stage is densely packed and strategically volatile.

As the first half of the second marathon stage, Stage 9 is not merely about posting the fastest time. The absence of service crews overnight places a premium on mechanical sympathy, efficient repairs, and disciplined risk management. While mutual assistance between competitors is permitted, all maintenance and repairs must be carried out independently. Any mistake or mechanical issue sustained on this stage carries direct consequences for Stage 10, making Stage 9 one of the most influential days of the Dakar Rally 2026. Full Dakar Rally coverage is available at https://sportrik.com/en.