After a fortnight long strategic battle, Ricky Brabec is poised to win the 2026 Dakar Rally! With just 23 seconds separating the top two riders at the start of Stage 12, the day was always going to be pivotal. Brabec’s calculated move on Stage 11 – easing off to secure a later start position behind rival Luciano Benavides – was put to the test as he chases a third Dakar title.
“I tried to ride carefully but took many risks today to make a good push,” said a worn, but elated Brabec from the Stage finish. “With one day to go we’re looking really good, so I’m really happy about this. I think last night was probably the best night’s sleep I’ve had since the Rally started.”
The 311 km timed stage from Al Henakiyah to Yanbu demanded precision across technical navigation, rocky terrain and small dunes and starting six minutes behind Benavides, Brabec needed a near-perfect ride. Benavides struck first, leading at the 45 km mark, but once Brabec settled into his rhythm, the momentum began to shift. Gradually closing the gap, Brabec took control of the stage and as he caught riders ahead, including teammate Tosha Schareina, the time advantage grew. At the refuelling point, Brabec was able to assess the standings, knowing the second half of the stage would be about damage limitation. Benavides mounted a charge of his own, catching and passing Skyler Howes and Adrien Van Beveren to collect bonus time, but it wasn’t enough…
But it is Dakar and anything can happen, Brabec readily admits. “We’ve still got one day to go, Luciano has been riding really well through the whole Rally, so I got to give it up to him, we’ve been fighting every single day. It’s truly cool to see and I think people that are watching at home are really enjoying the results everyday because it’s so back and forth. It makes for good racing and it makes for good television.”
At the finish, Brabec secured his second stage win of the 2026 Dakar Rally and the 13th of his Dakar career, beating Benavides by 3’43”. The victory also marks Honda’s 120th Dakar Stage win. Brabec now carries a 3’20” advantage into the final Stage on Saturday.
Dakar RallyGP Result – Stage 12
Pos. Rider Num Nation Team Time/Gap
1 Ricky Brabec 9 USA Monster Energy Honda HRC 03:19:01
2 Luciano Benavides 77 ARG Red Bull KTM Rally Factory Team + 03:43
3 Tosha Schareina 68 SPA Monster Energy Honda HRC + 12:58
4 Adrien Van Beveren 42 FRA Monster Energy Honda HRC + 13:07
5 Ross Branch 16 BWA Hero Motorsports Team Rally + 22:42
6 Mason Klein 98 USA Hoto Factory Racing + 23:48
7 Skyler Howes 10 USA Monster Energy Honda HRC + 24:24
8 Edgar Canet 73 SPA Red Bull KTM Rally Factory Team + 27:43
9 Bradley Cox 7 RSA Sherco Rally Factory + 28:42
10 Nacho Cornejo 11 CHI Hero Motorsports Team Rally + 29:38
