South African Teenager Secures Historic Dakar Rally Stage Victory
Nineteen-year-old Saood Variawa of South Africa became the youngest top-class driver to win a stage in the Dakar Rally, surpassing the previous record held by Seth Quintero. Competing in a challenging 327-kilometer stage, Variawa showcased resilience by overcoming a puncture and navigating tricky terrain. His remarkable comeback follows a significant setback in the first stage. Meanwhile, other seasoned competitors encountered various challenges during the rally, adding to the event’s unpredictability.
AL HENAKIYAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — South African teenager Saood Variawa has made history by becoming the youngest top-class driver to win a stage in the prestigious Dakar Rally. At just nineteen years old, Variawa accomplished this remarkable feat during the third stage of the rally on January 7, 2025, surpassing the previous record set by American driver Seth Quintero at the age of 22. Competing in the demanding car category, Variawa faced tough competition from his Toyota teammate Lucas Moraes of Brazil and Quintero throughout the challenging 327-kilometer stage from Bisha to Al Henakiyah.
Despite a late puncture, Variawa displayed resilience and skill by pulling ahead over the final 60 kilometers, ultimately crossing the finish line ahead of his competitors. He noted the importance of cautious navigation through tricky areas, attributing his success to his co-driver François Cazalet. “I definitely knew we were flying,” Variawa stated, emphasizing the need to maintain control amidst potential hazards.
Having finished third in the first stage and suffering a significant setback due to a collision with compatriot Giniel de Villiers, this victory marks a triumphant comeback for Variawa. Meanwhile, Quintero ended the stage in third place, with Moraes finishing ninth. In the overall standings, South African driver Henk Lategan maintained the lead, while accomplished rally drivers Nasser Al-Attiyah and Mattias Ekstrom secured close rankings.
Defending champion Carlos Sainz faced unfortunate circumstances that forced him to withdraw from the race after sustaining damage to his vehicle, while multiple world champion Sebastien Loeb struggled to stay competitive after facing mechanical issues early in the stage.
In the motorcycle category, Australian rider Daniel Sanders narrowly retained his lead despite an initial drop after the stage. Following a correction to his performance, he was significantly ahead of the competition, with Lorenzo Santolino of Spain taking the stage win, marking a significant achievement for the Sherco team. Overall, Variawa’s impressive performance not only highlights his promise as a rising star in motorsport but also adds to the excitement of the ongoing Dakar Rally.
The Dakar Rally, known for its grueling challenges and demanding conditions, showcases the skill and endurance of its participants, further solidifying Variawa’s accomplishment in a rich history of automobile racing.
The Dakar Rally is an annual rally raid organized by the Amaury Sport Organization, renowned for its demanding course and challenging environment. Originating as a race from Paris to Dakar, this event has evolved to take place in various regions, with the current edition held in Saudi Arabia. The competition hosts both cars and motorcycles, pushing drivers and riders to their limits through treacherous landscapes. The race is grueling both physically and mentally, highlighting the skills and tenacity required of the participants. Recently, a record-breaking feat was achieved when South African Saood Variawa became the youngest driver to win a stage in the top-class category, underscoring the growing talent in the motorsport community.
Saood Variawa’s achievement as the youngest top-class driver to win a stage in the Dakar Rally underscores his exceptional talent and determination in motorsport. His skillful navigation through the challenges of the race not only allowed him to secure victory but also set a new record, demonstrating the potential for young drivers in competitive racing environments. The continuing developments in the Dakar Rally highlight both the fierce competition among skilled drivers and the unpredictability of the event.
Original Source: apnews.com
