13 Gen JOSEP PEDRÓ WINS STAGE 8 OF THE DAKAR RALLY
Chronicle Josep Pedró, ISB SPORT Ambassador
Spanish rider Josep Pedró has achieved another outstanding victory in this major competition, within his Original by Motul category, solidifying his position as one of the bravest and most competitive contenders in this 2026 edition.
On a demanding stage that traversed the challenging terrain around Wadi Ad Dawasir, he secured a resounding victory with a 2-minute, 12-second advantage over his closest rival, Frenchman Benjamin Melot. Our rider continues to strengthen his Dakar record and establishes himself as one of the most competitive Spaniards.
With this triumph, Josep Pedró reduces the gap with the category leader and arrives with all options open for the remaining stages, where he will have to face sections of extreme difficulty.
Josep Pedró is shaping up to be one of the main protagonists of this edition, determined to continue adding to his successes and leaving a significant mark on Spanish motorcycling in the Original by Motul category.
Stage 8 Summary
This stage, starting and finishing in the Wadi Ad Dawasir area, combined long, fast tracks, sandy sections, and technical stretches.
In the motorcycle category, the stage once again featured some of the rally’s biggest names. Riders like Luciano Benavides, Daniel Sanders, and Ricky Brabec maintained a high pace in the fight for the overall classification, while in the Original by Motul category, the victory of Spaniard Josep Pedró stood out.
The car category offered an intense battle among the favorites, with established figures like Nasser Al-Attiyah, Sébastien Loeb, and Carlos Sainz managing a stage marked by strategy and precise navigation. Every kilometer was crucial to maintaining their chances in a very tight overall standings.
In the truck category, the top teams once again demonstrated their experience on a stage that was particularly tough for these machines. Dakar regulars like Eduard Nikolaev, Dmitry Sotnikov, and Martin Macík continued to be key players in a category where consistency and reliability are paramount.
Meanwhile, the Challenger and SSV categories maintained a high level of competitiveness, with drivers such as Cristina Gutiérrez, Seth Quintero, Austin Jones, and Francisco “Chaleco” López standing out on a very demanding day that once again highlighted the enormous gaps between the leading contenders.
With Stage 8 completed, the 2026 Dakar Rally enters a decisive phase, where the accumulation of kilometers, fatigue, and mechanical reliability will determine the final outcome. The coming days promise to keep the excitement high until the very end in one of the most demanding events in motorsport.