During 23 kilometres against the clock on the sandy tracks outside of Yanbu we saw plenty of early markers laid down. History was made on two wheels and the mighty Defender Dakar D7X‑R made its debut at the world’s toughest rally. Let’s go deep into the desert.

At just 20 years, nine months and 18 days old, Edgar Canet is the youngest ever winner of a Dakar Rally motorbike stage. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider covered the Prologue Stage in lightening-fast 11m31s. The Catalan biker has graduated to the elite RallyGP class after winning the Dakar’s Rally2 category on his first attempt in 2025.

“I'm super happy with the rhythm I had today. I was 100 percent following the roadbook. I was braking before each danger point and avoiding risks. I was still able to go fast and it feels like the best way to start the rally.” – Edgar Canet

Canet’s fellow Red Bull KTM Factory Racing riders Daniel Sanders and Luciano Benavides both pushed him hard on the dusty piste on outskirts of Yanbu. Reigning RallyGP Dakar winner Sanders finished second – just three seconds behind Canet – while Benavides finished fourth on the Prologue.

“It was pretty much full gas the whole way. Now the prologue is done and we’ll get into a long stage tomorrow.” – Daniel Sanders

Highlights Below - Check them out on Youtube