The 2026 Dakar Rally has begun with encouraging news for Indian motorsport, highlighted by Sanjay Takale’s class win in the Dakar Classic category and competitive performances from Indian-linked teams in the bike division. Dakar Rally 2026 Stage 1 offered a mix of promise and setbacks, underlining once again why Dakar is considered the toughest rally raid in the world.
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Understanding the Dakar Classic Category
Unlike the modern bike and car classes where outright speed decides the stage winner, the Dakar Classic category follows a very different format. It is reserved for cars manufactured between 1986 and 2005 and runs as a regularity rally rather than a time-attack event.
In this format, competitors must maintain a prescribed average speed and reach checkpoints within a defined time window. Penalties are handed out for arriving too early or too late, making precision, navigation and mechanical sympathy far more important than raw pace.
The Classic category is further divided into four groups—H1 to H4—based on the performance potential of the vehicles. Sanjay Takale is competing in the H3 group, which allows intermediate average speeds and typically features powerful, rugged off-road vehicles.
Sanjay Takale’s Landmark Stage 1 Victory
Sanjay Takale, who became the first Indian driver to complete the Dakar Rally last year, has started his 2026 campaign in commanding fashion. Driving a Toyota Land Cruiser HDJ100 with support from Compagnie Saharienne, Takale won the H3 group in both the Prologue and Stage 1.
This performance places him 22nd overall in the Dakar Classic standings after the opening stage. Given the endurance-focused nature of the category, a strong and penalty-free start is crucial, and Takale’s result establishes him as a serious contender within his class.
For Indian motorsport, Takale’s continued presence and success in the Dakar Classic highlights the growing depth of experience Indian competitors are bringing to global rally events.
Mixed Results for Indian Riders in the Bike Category
India’s presence in the motorcycle category came through both factory-supported and privateer efforts, with contrasting outcomes on the opening day.
All three Hero MotoSports riders successfully completed Dakar Rally 2026 Stage 1. Ross Branch initially set the fastest time in the bikes category but was later handed a six-minute penalty for exceeding the speed limit in a restricted zone. This dropped him to seventh overall.
Teammate Jose Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Cornejo finished just ahead in sixth place, keeping Hero MotoSports firmly inside the top ten. Both riders remain within five minutes of the overall lead, leaving ample room to recover as the rally progresses.
Navigation Test for Tobias Ebster
Hero MotoSports’ third rider, Tobias Ebster, faced particularly challenging conditions. A sandstorm erased visible tracks on Stage 1, forcing him to rely heavily on navigation rather than following racing lines.
Despite the difficult conditions, Ebster finished 14th overall, which also places him fourth in the Rally2 category. Strong navigation under pressure is often a deciding factor at Dakar, and this result keeps him in contention within his class.
Harith Noah’s Dakar Ends Early
The most disappointing news from an Indian perspective came with Harith Noah’s retirement. The TVS-backed rider suffered a crash in heavy dust conditions and was forced to withdraw from the rally.
According to his team, Sherco, Noah is undergoing medical examinations in Jeddah. While his Dakar 2026 campaign has ended prematurely, safety remains the priority, and further updates are awaited on his recovery.
Privateer Effort Continues for Jatin Jain
Indian privateer Jatin Jain completed Dakar Rally 2026 Stage 1 aboard his Kove 450 Rally bike, marking his second Dakar appearance. Jain described the opening stage as “brutal” but managed to finish the day in 109th overall position and 94th in Rally2.
For privateers, simply completing each stage is a significant achievement, especially given the physical and mechanical demands of the event.
Overall Rally Leaders After Stage 1
In the bike category, Edgar Canet inherited the Stage 1 victory following Branch’s penalty and currently leads the standings. He holds a narrow advantage over reigning Dakar champion Daniel Sanders, with Honda’s Ricky Brabec close behind.
In the car category, Guillaume de Mevius and co-driver Mathieu Baumel topped Stage 1 in their X-Raid Mini. Nasser Al-Attiyah, driving for Dacia, sits second overall, while Martin Prokop finished third in a customer-run Ford Raptor.
What This Means Going Forward
Dakar Rally 2026 Stage 1 results often offer only a snapshot rather than a clear prediction of final outcomes. Dakar’s long distances, changing terrain and navigational challenges ensure that standings can shift dramatically over the coming days.
For Indian motorsport followers, Sanjay Takale’s strong showing and Hero MotoSports’ competitive pace provide positive momentum early in the rally. At the same time, Harith Noah’s retirement is a reminder of the risks involved in one of the world’s most demanding motorsport events.
Conclusion
The Dakar Rally 2026 Stage 1 has delivered a mix of achievement and adversity for Indian competitors. Sanjay Takale’s H3 class win reinforces India’s growing footprint in international rallying, while solid performances from Hero MotoSports keep Indian-backed teams in the hunt. As the rally unfolds, consistency and endurance will be key, and the coming stages are expected to bring further twists in the standings.
Disclaimer: Results and standings mentioned in this article are based on officially released Stage 1 data and may change as the Dakar Rally 2026 progresses.
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Raj Prajapati is a senior automobile journalist at AutoIndia24, reporting on car, bike, EV, and auto industry developments in India.
