ISTANBUL
In the third stage of the 2025 Dakar Rally, South African Saood Variawa finished first in the car class, while Spanish rider Lorenzo Santolino topped the bike class.
The third stage of the 47th Dakar Rally, held in Saudi Arabia, took place on a shortened 327-kilometer (203-mile) route between Bisha and Al Henakiyah cities.
South African Henk Lategan (Toyota Gazoo) led the overall standings with a time of 19 hours, 4 minutes, and 53 seconds, seven minutes and 17 seconds ahead of Qatari Nasser Al-Attiyah (Dacia Sandriders), a five-time Dakar Rally winner.
Santolino wins stages on bike
In the bike class, Lorenzo Santolino from the Sherco team claimed first place in the third stage with a time of three hours, 44 minutes, and 34 seconds, leaving his competitors behind.
Spanish rider Santolino was followed by American Ricky Brabec (Monster Energy Honda), four minutes and one second behind, and another American, Skyler Howes (Monster Energy Honda), who finished four minutes and 10 seconds behind.
Australian Daniel Sanders (Red Bull KTM) maintained his position at the top of the overall standings, with a time of 20 hours, nine minutes, and 54 seconds, one minute and 57 seconds ahead of Howes.
The fourth stage of the Dakar Rally will take place Wednesday on a 415-kilometer route between Al Henakiyah and Alula.
The 2025 Dakar Rally will end on Jan. 17 in the city of Shubaytah.
