Saood Variawa Makes History as Youngest Driver to Win Dakar Rally Stage
Nineteen-year-old South African driver Saood Variawa made history by becoming the youngest top-class driver to win a stage at the Dakar Rally on January 7, 2025. The intense third stage from Bisha to Al Henakiyah was fiercely contested, with Variawa narrowly leading competitors Seth Quintero and Lucas Moraes. His victory follows a challenging race experience, solidifying his emergence as a significant talent in the motorsport arena.
On January 7, 2025, nineteen-year-old South African driver Saood Variawa achieved a remarkable milestone in motorsports by becoming the youngest top-class competitor to win a stage at the Dakar Rally. During the third stage of the rally, which spanned 327 kilometers from Bisha to Al Henakiyah in the Saudi desert, Variawa outperformed rivals Seth Quintero of the United States and Lucas Moraes from Brazil. The trio maintained a close contest, with Variawa eventually taking the lead over the last 60 kilometers despite facing a late puncture.
Following a challenging start where he lost significant time due to a collision on the previous day, Variawa demonstrated skill and strategic navigation alongside his co-driver François Cazalet. This victory not only reflects Variawa’s talent but also positions him prominently within the competitive landscape of the Dakar Rally, a revered and demanding motorsport endurance event. Quintero subsequently finished third in the stage, while Moraes placed ninth, showcasing the intense competition among the top racers.
In addition to Variawa’s achievement, the overall standings of the rally saw substantial movement, particularly with drivers such as Henk Lategan maintaining the lead. Notably, defending champion Carlos Sainz faced withdrawal after sustaining damage from a roll-over incident, and multiple-time champion Sebastien Loeb struggled to stay competitive due to mechanical setbacks. Moreover, in the motorcycle category, Australian rider Daniel Sanders faced a reduction in his overall lead, although he was later restored additional time due to a navigation issue. Thus, the event continues to unfold with unpredictable outcomes and fierce competition among elite participants.
The Dakar Rally is internationally recognized as one of the most challenging endurance motorsport competitions in the world. It comprises numerous stages that test participants’ driving prowess, strategy, and navigation skills across diverse terrains. Winning a stage is a significant accomplishment, underscoring not only individual talent but also the effectiveness of teamwork among drivers and co-drivers. Saood Variawa’s recent victory as the youngest top-class driver winning a stage is particularly noteworthy given the intense competition he faced from more experienced peers, thereby reflecting a new generation of emerging talent in extreme motorsport.
In conclusion, Saood Variawa’s triumphant stage win at the Dakar Rally represents a historic achievement in motorsports, particularly as he becomes the youngest participant to attain this milestone. His performance amid fierce competition underscores the demanding nature of the rally and highlights the potential for young talent within the field. As the event progresses, the dynamic among competitors continues to evolve, promising exciting developments for both drivers and fans alike.
Original Source: apnews.com
