With a total length of over 800 kilometers, including around 500 kilometers against the clock, the first stage after the rest day was one of the longest of the Dakar 2025. As a result, many participants arrived at the finish line late, including several vehicles in the Challenger class, which start their timed stages later. Annett Quandt and Annie Seel also crossed the finish line in the X-raid Fenic after sunset, achieving a very good 17th place.
Earlier, they had to tackle the second part of the stage—featuring sandy tracks and dunes—in complete darkness. This significantly increased the difficulty of the dunes, both in terms of driving and navigation. The women’s team took a wrong turn at one point and also had to stop due to an issue. With low tire pressure, one tire came off the rim. Despite the time lost, they completed the stage in 17th place and now sit 14th overall.
Their teammate Maria Gameiro, along with navigator José Marques, is still out on the stage.
What’s next:
The seventh stage will see the drivers tackle a loop around Al Duwadimi. The 419-kilometer special features a mix of gravel tracks, sandy dunes, and rocky mountain sections.
Quotes from the team
Annett Quandt (#315 X-raid Fenic): “This was our first proper night stage. We had to cross the dunes in complete darkness—it was absolutely crazy! The dunes were super soft, but we still managed to get through them quite well. At one point, we got lost, which can happen at night. We also had to let a lot of air out of the tires just to have a chance of climbing the dunes. In the dark, you can’t drive as fast. With the low tire pressure, one tire came off the rim. We had to fix it and refill the air, which definitely cost us time. Still, we’re satisfied.”
Result stage 6 (Challenger category)
1. Y. Seaidan / M. Metge – Taurus – 5h 04m 21s
2. C. Leaverton / T. Perry – Taurus – 5h 09m 47s
3. P. Navarro / L. Sisterna Herrera – Taurus – 5h 14m 09s
4. P. Spierings / J. Van der Stelt – Taurus – 5h 16m 43s
5. N. Cavigliasso / V. Pertegarini – Taurus – 5h 19m 17s
…
17. A. Quandt / A. Seel – X-raid Fenic – 6h 36m 46s
Overall standings
1. N. Cavigliasso / V. Pertegarini – Taurus – 35h 57m 59s
2. G. Guerreira / C. Sachs – Taurus – 36h 33m 01s
3. P. Spierings / J. Van der Stelt – Taurus – 36h 38m 51s
4. P. Navarro / L. Sisterna Herrera – Taurus – 37h 55m 07s
5. A. Al-Kuwari / N. Al-Kuwari – Taurus – 38h 10m 22s
…
14. A. Quandt / A. Seel – X-raid Fenic – 45h 58m 09s