The Dakar Rally 2022 commenced with Australian Daniel Sanders (KTM) seizing the top spot in the motorcycle qualifying prologue. Sanders, a remarkable performer in his inaugural Dakar event last year, achieved the fastest lap across the 19-kilometer special stage, held Saturday between Jeddah and Ha’il. The 27-year-old outpaced Chilean Pablo Quintanilla (Honda) by a full minute, and Ross Branch (Yamaha) by 1.55 minutes.
Reigning champion, Argentinian Kevin Benavides (KTM), secured fourth place in this preliminary round, which established the starting order for the main event on Sunday. Adrien Van Beveren of France claimed sixth position.
The grueling Dakar Rally 2022, spanning over 8,000 kilometers, commenced its two-week journey across the Saudi Arabian desert on Saturday.
Al-Attiyah Triumphs in Auto Qualifying Opener
Nasser al-Attiyah (Toyota) emerged victorious in the initial qualifying heat for the 2022 Dakar, completing the 19-kilometer special stage between Jeddah and Ha’il in an impressive 10 minutes and 56 seconds. The Qatari driver bested Spanish rally ace Carlos Sainz, a two-time world champion and three-time Dakar winner, by 12 seconds. South African Henk Lategan (Toyota) followed, 36 seconds behind. Frenchman Sébastien Loeb (Prodrive) finished fifth, 37 seconds adrift, while defending champion Stéphane Peterhansel (Audi) ended up in 14th, 1 minute and 12 seconds off the pace.
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