07 Gen JOSEP PEDRÓ WINS STAGE3 OF THE DAKAR RALLY
Chronicle by Josep Pedró, ISB SPORT Ambassador
The Dakar Rally is considered one of the toughest motorsport competitions, and this 2026 edition is proving especially challenging with numerous obstacles. ISB SPORT’s commitment to the world of high-performance motorsport is reinforced once again this year with their participation in the 2026 Dakar Rally alongside rider Josep Pedró.
Spanish rider Josep Pedró began his participation in the 2026 Dakar Rally in the demanding Original by Motul category, the toughest category of the rally where competitors have no mechanical assistance. From day one, Pedró made it clear that he was ready to face the challenge with resilience and strategy.
In the prologue, he completed the course that established the starting order, marking the beginning of his third Dakar Rally with a good pace and without incident.
The first stage, between Yanbu and Yanbu, covered 300 kilometers around the city, a route characterized by narrow passes, sharp rocks, and dunes. Pedró completed the stage consistently, demonstrating his ability to handle the most technical terrain from the start.
In the second stage, starting in Yanbu and finishing in AlUla, the riders faced a 504-kilometer route, with approximately 400 km of timed special stages. Pedró once again demonstrated a solid and consistent performance, finishing the stage in 37th place with a time of 1h31’52”, confirming his consistency and resilience on the toughest and most varied terrain in Saudi Arabia.
The third stage, starting and finishing in AlUla, was historic for the Catalan rider. After tackling a particularly challenging and complex special stage, Josep Pedró secured the victory in the Original by Motul category, prevailing over his fellow competitors. This achievement represents a significant personal milestone in his third Dakar Rally and reaffirms his progress in this demanding rally-raid event.
With this victory in the third stage, Josep Pedró confirms his strong pace in the 2026 Dakar Rally. Several stages remain, but his performance so far shows that he can remain among the top contenders.
Summary of the first three stages of the 2026 Dakar Rally
After these first three stages of the 2026 Dakar Rally, the competition is proving to be more intense than ever. The rally has never been more competitive, with constant changes in the lead and a high level of rivalry among riders in all categories.
In motorcycles, Australian Daniel Sanders (KTM) leads the overall standings thanks to his consistency and speed in each stage, closely followed by American Ricky Brabec and Spaniard Tosha Schareina, who have demonstrated solid and competitive performance. The category has showcased a close battle, with tight time differences that keep the excitement high in every special stage.
In cars, American Mitch Guthrie (Ford) takes the lead after a third stage dominated by his team’s strategy and speed. Experienced drivers like Carlos Sainz and Nani Roma are close behind in the standings, while Ford confirms its dominance with several vehicles in the top positions. The car competition remains wide open, with the changes in the lead making it clear that each stage is crucial.
In the SSV/Challenger and truck categories, the competition also remains tight, with local and international teams and drivers standing out in each stage. Endurance and strategy are key. The difference lies in the rally’s most technical and demanding routes.
Despite the excitement and changes in the standings during these first three stages, much of the 2026 Dakar Rally remains to be contested. With several days left, even more challenging terrain, and decisive stages, the race promises to maintain the rivalry, strategy, and tension right up to the finish line, leaving the fight for the lead in all categories wide open.