South African Excellence on Display at Dakar Rally 2024 as Al Rajhi Takes Car Lead and Branch Dominates Bikes

In an impressive show of skill and endurance, South African-built vehicles and Botswana’s former South African Cross Country champion Ross Branch have risen to the top in their respective categories at the Dakar Rally 2024. As the rally entered its third day and traversed 438 km to Al Salamiya, competitors faced intense competition and challenging terrain.

Saudi hero Yazeed Al Rajhi, partnered with Timo Gottschalk, has skilfully manoeuvred their Toyota Hilux to take the car lead in an eventful Marathon Stage. The Hilux, symbolizing South African engineering excellence, has outperformed in a field crowded with elite contenders.

The first half of the car category's two-day Marathon Stage commenced with prominent Toyota Hilux teams setting a blistering pace. French teams displayed strong efforts, but it was Al Rajhi and Brazilian Lucas Moraes who shone, with the latter achieving a maiden Dakar stage win in the car division.

Despite disruptions, including a puncture that impacted Nasser Al-Attiyah's pace, the day concluded with Al Rajhi seizing a narrow overall lead. Among notable South African teams, Gazoo Hilux duo Giniel de Villiers and Dennis Murphy managed a striking comeback, underscoring the endurance and determination characteristic of Dakar competitors.

The bike category was equally thrilling, with a flurry of positional changes throughout the day. Ross Branch has bolstered his lead, showcasing the prowess of Hero MotoCorp's motorcycle in an increasingly competitive field. American rider Mason Klein initially led, only to be overtaken by Chile’s Pablo Quintanilla, who emerged victorious at the end of the stage.

South African riders also made their presence felt, with champion Bradley Cox finishing strongly on his BAS KTM, along with his compatriots Charan Moore and Zimbabwean Ashley Thixton putting in commendable performances as they battled through the day's challenges.

As the rally moves forward, competitors now contend with the rigors of a remote bivouac stay, with minimal service assistance, before embarking on the second half of the Marathon Stage. The Dakar Rally continues to test the mettle of its participants, promising more thrilling developments as it advances to Al Hofuf.

With service crews working against the clock and riders tackling the unforgiving desert terrain, the Dakar Rally once again proves to be the ultimate test of endurance and skill in motorsport. South Africa's continued success in the rally highlights the country's significant contributions to rally raid racing and the inherent toughness of its competitors and machinery.