Sébastien Loeb’s tenth Dakar is a bit like a beautiful promise that falls short. On the eve of the last stage of the 2026 edition, the Frenchman, a modern-day hero, finds himself in a fierce battle for an uncertain podium, a situation he does not deserve after so much effort. After losing his third place to Mattias Ekström, the stones of the desert have cost him more than just precious time: they have jeopardized his dream of victory.
Unexpected Events at Every Turn
During the 12th stage, Loeb experienced another mishap, much like a leading actor in an action movie facing unexpected twists. “We had a pretty good special until we got lost 20 km from the finish in big rocks,” he recounts, his tone filled with frustration. “I had to accelerate to get out, and we got a flat tire and changed the wheel.” The result: a few lost minutes that could cost him dearly.
A Tight Duel for the Podium
As the last stage consists of only 105 km of special, the tension is palpable. To regain his place on the podium, Loeb must catch up 29 seconds on Ekström. “It’s possible, yes, but Ekström has been pushing since the start of the rally; he’s in good shape,” warns the Dacia driver, aware of the difficulty of the task. “We’ll see depending on the type of terrain. But we will definitely have to attack.”
A Season of a Thousand Twists
In any case, a podium finish will not fully satisfy Sébastien Loeb. Used to competing for victory, he finds himself comfortably distanced from his teammate Nasser Al-Attiyah, who seems to be heading for victory with more than a quarter of an hour lead over Nani Roma. The Alsatian, for his part, is 23 minutes behind and feels like a boxer in the ring, taking hits without ever really getting out.
Sébastien Loeb still has to fight for the podium.
The Weight of Misfortunes
With an analysis of almost scientific rigor, Loeb questions his bad luck: “I don’t know if we can necessarily talk about luck,” he nuances. “At some point, it’s not just about luck either. It’s true that I’ve lost time in situations that weren’t favorable at times.” For him, the numbers speak for themselves: between flat tires and power steering issues, he estimates he has lost a precious hour in circumstances that were not always under his control.
Others Are Suffering Too
Loeb is not the only one facing the whims of the Dakar. “Others have also lost time for different reasons, each their own, but overall, we haven’t been spared,” he admits. This edition is marked by a high density of competitors and tight gaps, making every minute even more precious. “There have been some great days, some great specials, and some less great… As usual, a Dakar goes through ups and downs. It’s a complicated Dakar in any case; the terrain is not easy.”
Balance and Strategy at the Heart of the Rally
For Loeb, the art of rally-raid lies in the ability to navigate through challenges. “You also have to manage to dodge the raindrops; that’s what makes a big difference: avoiding problems, having a reliable car, good navigation, and avoiding traps.” This quest for consistency is essential in this ruthless sport where the slightest mistake can lead to dramatic consequences.
An Evolving Landscape
This 48th edition of the Dakar also highlights the evolution of the rally-raid landscape. “You can see that the forces are quite balanced now among manufacturers, with the technical regulations that, in the end, stabilize a lot of things,” he notes. “It’s super tight. You can also see that there are many drivers who are in the rhythm compared to before.” Back when he was driving for Peugeot, the competition was less fierce: “There were four of us competing for victory, whereas now if you have a good special, you can finish tenth.”
In this modern arena of the Dakar, where performances are increasingly homogeneous, battles multiply, and every competitor has a chance. The cars are close in performance, promising some serious fights on the terrain.
As Sébastien Loeb prepares for this final stage, the tension rises, and hope remains intact. Because in the Dakar, everything can change in the blink of an eye, and who knows? Perhaps fortune will finally smile upon someone who has already given so much.
