Technical problem: Al-Attiyah loses stage win and overall lead in Morocco

The South African Henk Lategan (Toyota) capitalised on this to claim the stage win. After Al-Attiyah lost the world championship title following a turbulent finale on the final stage of the 2025 Morocco Rally, the Qatari was once again dogged by bad luck in the same event. Like his Dacia team-mate and closest rival for the world title, Sébastien Loeb, Al-Attiyah now has no chance of securing a top finish in Morocco. Yesterday’s and today’s unlucky drivers crossed the finish line together, with Loeb towing Al-Attiyah on the tow hook for the final kilometres.

Following Joao Ferreira’s stage win yesterday, another Toyota driver, Henk Lategan, claimed victory on the day. The South African clocked the fastest time after just under three and a half hours, finishing a mere 41 seconds ahead of Eryk Goczał. The young Pole was the lead driver of a strong Ford team, which placed no fewer than four Raptors in the top six.

Der amtierende Weltmeister Lucas Morares hat die Gesamtführung übernommen

Foto: A.S.0.

Dakar legend Carlos Sainz took third place, followed by Mattias Ekström (5th) and Nani Roma (6th). In between them, in fourth place, is the reigning world champion Lucas Moraes (Dacia), who, together with Pablo Moreno – Cristina Gutierrez’s usual co-driver – has taken the overall lead.

There are just 28 seconds separating Moraes and Lategan, the two main contenders for the overall victory. Carlos Sainz (+2.43 mins) and Mattias Ekström (+3:02 mins) also still have a good chance of winning the rally overall.

French Century driver Mathieu Serradori finished fifth after a perfect day, a position he also holds in the overall standings. Sébastien Loeb, following yesterday’s setback, lost a further 15 minutes on today’s stage, having already lost over 2.40 hours. The Alsatian is now targeting stage wins to defend his lead in the World Championship.

Die Toyota-Piloten Yazeed Al Rajhi/Dennis Zenz mit Technikproblemen

Foto: A.S.O.

Following the misfortune suffered by Al-Attiyah and Loeb, Toyota driver Seth Quintero, currently third in the championship, has so far been unable to capitalise on the opportunity to make significant ground in the race for the World Championship title. The American lies only seventh overall, 6.33 minutes behind the leader.

Toyota driver Yazeed Al Rajhi, with his German co-driver Dennis Zenz, was in tenth place when he was forced to retire from today’s stage at kilometre 45 due to a technical problem.

In the Challenger category, Matthias Walkner leads in the South Racing Can-Am Maverick after securing another stage victory.

Stephane Peterhansel im Defender auf Platz zwei

Foto: A.S.0.

In the Stock category for production-based vehicles, Defender driver Sara Price won today ahead of her team-mate Stéphane Peterhansel.

Tomorrow’s third special stage will once again run as a loop around Zagaro, covering 363 kilometres.