08 Gen JOSEP PEDRÓ WINS STAGE 4 OF THE DAKAR RALLY
Report by Josep Pedró, ISB SPORT Ambassador
Spanish rider Josep Pedró is making his mark with his performances in this 2026 Dakar Rally. The Catalan has achieved two consecutive stage victories: first in Stage 3 and then in Stage 4, reaffirming his resilience and skill in one of the most extreme challenges in motorsport.
Josep Pedró crossed the finish line with a very competitive time among the riders competing without assistance, demonstrating not only speed but also enormous endurance and navigational skills in the face of the terrain’s challenges and the absence of external mechanical support.
Stage 4, starting and finishing in Al Ula, featured more than 400 km of timed special stage in a marathon format, where competitors had to manage their pace, mechanics, and strategy without help from their team at the end of the day. In this context, our Catalan rider was the fastest among the Original by Motul participants, prevailing over his direct rivals in this demanding category.
With several stages still to go, Josep Pedró will continue fighting to stay among the top riders in the Original by Motul category, bringing excitement and an example of perseverance in the heart of the Saudi desert.
Dakar Stage Summary
The fourth stage of the 2026 Dakar Rally tested the riders in the first part of the marathon, one of the most demanding sections of the rally where competitors must manage their vehicles without external assistance. The day combined more than 400 km of dunes, fast tracks, and technical sections that required endurance, precise navigation, and a smart strategy.
In the motorcycle category, Spaniard Tosha Schareina (Honda) took the victory, his second consecutive stage win, consolidating his overall lead. Teammates like Ricky Brabec and Skyler Howes also shone, demonstrating the strength of the Honda team in this edition.
In the car category, South African Henk Lategan (Toyota) dominated, taking the overall lead after overcoming the obstacles of the marathon stage. In other classes, such as SSVs, drivers like Brock Heger stood out at the top of their categories, while the harsh terrain took its toll: reigning champion Yazeed Al-Rajhi had to retire after suffering punctures and physical problems.
Stage 4 brought about significant changes in the overall standings. While the established leaders increased their advantage, figures like Carlos Sainz lost time to the frontrunners, intensifying the battle for the final victory.
This day confirms that the Dakar is much more than a race: it is a test of endurance, strategy, and skill, where each stage presents an extreme challenge for drivers and teams in all categories. And although this stage left some favorites well-positioned, there are still several stages to go, so everything is still open and the battle for the final victory is far from over.