Nani Roma leads the Dakar after the ninth stage
The Rally Dakar has a new leader in its premier category. Spanish driver Nani Roma, behind the wheel of a Ford, climbed to the top of the overall Ultimate standings after finishing the ninth stage in sixth place. This change positions another Spaniard, Carlos Sainz, as his immediate pursuer, anticipating an electrifying finish. 🏜️
A change at the top with a minimal margin
The ninth day of the world's toughest race saw Eryk Goczal win the stage with his Toyota. However, this victory did not alter the title fight, which has narrowed down between the two Ford drivers. Sainz finished seventh in the stage, a result that allowed him to rise to the second overall position. The difference between the two compatriots is now less than sixty seconds, a tiny margin that turns every remaining minute into pure gold.
Keys to the new overall panorama:- Nani Roma takes the lead with his Ford after a stage of management.
- Carlos Sainz climbs to second place, just seconds behind his teammate.
- The stage winner, Eryk Goczal (Toyota), does not yet threaten the top spots in the overall standings.
The race is no longer won by attacking in every special stage, but by calculating every risk and preserving the equipment. The desert decides in this phase.
Strategy surpasses pure speed
In this final stretch of the Dakar, the teams' mindset changes. Winning stages takes a backseat to the primary objective: reaching the finish line without setbacks. Precise navigation, vehicle wear management, and avoiding errors in reading the roadbook become more decisive than raw power. Each team now executes a meticulous plan to protect their advantage or cut seconds intelligently.
Factors that decide the title in the last week:- Team strategy: Coordinating rhythms and tactics between drivers.
- Mechanical reliability: Prioritizing that the car holds up over pushing it to the maximum.
- Navigation and concentration: A reading error can cost irrecoverable minutes.
Direct duel between Ford and Toyota
The battle for the final victory in the Ultimate category has simplified into a direct confrontation between two giants: Ford and <