Jan 3, 2021 CE
Rally Start in Jeddah
The 2021 Dakar Rally began with the first stage starting and ending in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking the second consecutive year the event was held in the country.
Chronological Storyline (7 Milestones)
Jan 5, 2021 CE
Nani Roma Crashes Out
During Stage 3, former champion Nani Roma suffered a severe crash, forcing him to retire from the rally and altering the dynamics of the car category.
Jan 8, 2021 CE
Honda Dominates Bike Stage 6
Honda riders dominated Stage 6, with Ricky Brabec taking the win, tightening the competition in the motorcycle category against KTM.
Jan 12, 2021 CE
Sebastien Loeb Wins Stage 9
Sebastien Loeb won Stage 9, but Stéphane Peterhansel maintained his overall lead in the car category, setting up a tense final few days of competition.
Jan 14, 2021 CE
Carlos Sainz Retires
Defending champion Carlos Sainz suffered a mechanical failure and retired from the rally during Stage 11, ending his chances of a third Dakar victory.
Jan 15, 2021 CE
Peterhansel Claims 14th Title
Stéphane Peterhansel secured his 14th Dakar Rally victory in the car category, finishing ahead of Nasser Al-Attiyah and Sebastien Loeb.
Jan 15, 2021 CE
Kevin Benavides Wins Bike Category
Argentine rider Kevin Benavides won the motorcycle category, becoming the first South American to win the Dakar Rally on a bike.