The first week of the Dakar Rally 2025 presents participants with several challenges. The demanding 48h Chrono is already on the schedule for the second stage. Covering over 960 kilometers, the route passes through a variety of terrains: from gravel roads and sandy sections to the impressive dunes of Saudi Arabia. However, at 5:00 PM local time, the race came to a halt – crews had to head to the nearest bivouac and spend the night there. The A.S.O. has set up a total of six such stops along the route. Assistance from the team? Not allowed. Even teammates can only help each other if they are staying in the same bivouac.
The drivers have completed the first part of the stage today and are now either on their way to their bivouac or have already arrived. Participants must bring their own sleeping bags, mats, and tents. The organizer provides water and food. Tomorrow morning, the race continues: the route will lead the crews back to Bisha, where their teams will be waiting for them.
The three crews Guerlain Chicherit / Alex Winocq and Guillaume de Mévius / Mathieu Baumel (both driving the MINI JCW Rally 3.0i) as well as Joao Ferreira (MINI JCW Rally 3.0d) will spend the night at the fifth bivouac (km 626). All three are currently in the top 20. Lionel and Lucie Baud, competing in the MINI JCW Rally 3.0d, will stay at the fourth bivouac together with Denis Krotov and Konstantin Zhiltsov (MINI JCW Rally 3.0i). The remaining MINI and X-raid Fenic crews headed to the earlier overnight stops.\
