Timo Gottschalk and Yazeed Al-Rajhi Win 2025 Rallye Dakar

The German-Saudi duo triumphed after 12 grueling stages, marking Gottschalk’s second Dakar victory and Al-Rajhi’s historic first as a Saudi driver.

Timo Gottschalk, a 50-year-old German co-pilot, secured his second Rallye Dakar win alongside Saudi driver Yazeed Al-Rajhi in the 47th edition of the race.
The pair completed the 4,982-kilometer competitive route in Saudi Arabia’s Empty Quarter desert, finishing 3 minutes and 57 seconds ahead of their closest rivals.
This victory makes Al-Rajhi the first Saudi driver to win the Dakar Rally, an achievement he described as historic and deeply meaningful.
Gottschalk previously won the Dakar Rally in 2011 and has been recognized as one of the sport’s top co-pilots; he reunited with Al-Rajhi in 2023 for this successful campaign.
The 2025 race was noted for its extreme physical and mental challenges, including a 48-hour marathon stage, which pushed competitors to their limits.