Pablo Quintanilla clinches victory on 5th stage of Dakar Rally 2024
Pablo Quintanilla claims victory on the fifth stage of Dakar Rally 2024, navigating challenging sand dunes in Saudi Arabia.

In a thrilling performance, Pablo Quintanilla emerged victorious on the fifth stage of the Dakar Rally 2024, conquering the challenging sand dunes of Saudi Arabia. The stage covered 118km through the Empty Quarter, with Quintanilla making his mark on the unique landscapes towards Shubaytah.
Facing a grueling 527 km road section before navigating the deep dunes, riders encountered a demanding day in the Eastern Province. Adrien Van Beveren secured second place, utilizing his extensive sand riding experience and finishing just 37 seconds behind his teammate.
José Ignacio Cornejo and Ricky Brabec, tasked with opening the stage, faced challenges that led to an eleventh-place finish for Cornejo. This shift in standings cost him the overall lead, with Ross Branch from Hero Motosports Team Rally now leading by over a minute.
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Despite a seventh-place finish, Brabec maintained a podium position, reducing his time in the standings. Skyler Howes showcased positive adjustments to his Honda CRF450 Rally, entering the top ten and closing in on Quintanilla, trailing by just under five minutes.
The upcoming 48 Hour Chrono promises to be the most challenging test of the rally, with hidden waypoints and navigation complexities. Dakar Rally organizer David Castera acknowledges the difficulty, anticipating a navigation nightmare for fatigued competitors.
With a reverse starting order based on Thursday’s results, Quintanilla gains a strategic advantage as he sets off last among the RallyGP riders. The stage covers a total of 835 km, with a substantial 626 km dedicated to the Empty Quarter dunes—a segment expected to be unforgiving at the rally’s halfway point.
Action resumes on Friday morning at 7 am, with competitors completing the stage back to Shubaytah before a much-needed rest day in Riyadh.
-IANS