Overview
- Takale and French navigator Maxime Raud withdrew when an engine-related issue discovered after Stage 3 proved unrepairable, according to a PTI report carried by News18.
- He had topped the Prologue and maintained the Dakar Classic H3 class lead through the first three stages.
- The Indian driver was competing in car No. 722, a Toyota Land Cruiser HDJ100, in the Dakar Classic regularity category.
- Coverage from ZigWheels and GaadiWaadi described emerging engine trouble during Stage 3, with reports citing piston damage or an oil leak, though all agree the failure ended the run.
- His exit reshapes the H3 contest for the remaining crews as the two-week rally across Saudi Arabia continues toward its January 17 finish.