MARATHON BIVOUAC ALULA (January 7, 2026) – The first marathon stage of the Dakar Rally has put Tim and Tom Coronel to the test. For six hours, the brothers worked their way forward from the back of the field through the 417-kilometer special, ultimately finishing 50th, almost an hour and a half behind the stage winner. “It was a really tough stage,” says Tom. “We were completely done.”
The day was characterized by lots of dust and a challenging course. “At the start there was a lot of dust,” Tim explains. “You know that when you’re driving in the dust, you need to stay sharp.” Later the terrain became more open, which also provided better visibility. “Fortunately we could see something from time to time. We overtook a lot of people, but also had to search a bit with navigation.”
Helped Frenchman and two flat tires
Along the way, the brothers stopped to help Frenchman Jean-Luc Ceccaldi, who was on his side. “That cost us ten minutes,” Tom explains. The Century CR7 T1+ also suffered two flat tires, which cost additional time. And as if that wasn’t enough, the steering rod came loose again. “But otherwise everything went fine.”
Tim confirms it was a long drive. “Long ride, but we get there in the end. The car is running well.” Tom adds: “The car looks good, we’re now repairing the tires and waiting for our own parts.”
Campfire and ration packs
Upon arrival at the marathon bivouac, a basic setting awaited: tents, a campfire and ration packs. But Tim and Tom are enjoying it. “I think this is fun,” says Tim. “Really cool, beautiful landscape. This adventure here in this bivouac, I’m enjoying that.”
The brothers brought a nice drink, ERU and crackers to supplement the astronaut pack. “How we’ll sleep? I don’t know yet,” Tim laughs. The campfire is burning and despite the basic conditions, the atmosphere is good.
Tomorrow straight on to stage five
Tomorrow stage five is immediately on the program, another 372 kilometers from the marathon bivouac to Hail. Tim and Tom must have prepared their car as well as possible themselves, because there is no technical assistance in the marathon bivouac. “It’s getting dark now,” says Tom. “But it’s going well.”
Tomorrow’s stage will be faster than today, but has many direction changes and rocky sections where caution is required. There are no tracks from the motorcycles, so the brothers must find their own way. A challenge that makes tactics and navigation crucial.
