YANBU (January 17, 2026) – Tim and Tom Coronel finished the Dakar Rally 2026 with a 24th place in the final stage, just over five minutes behind the stage winner. In the short 100-kilometer loop around Yanbu, the brothers showed once more that they have good pace. “There was a lot of speed in it,” says Tom. “Today was also our best result of the entire rally.”
Tim is satisfied: “What a beautiful final stage. We really pushed it. Great to be up there with the real guys, one of the faster privateers. Beautiful stage.”
Sharp car with low weight
The final stage had a different character than previous days. “Between the cliffs you had to find the right lines,” Tom explains. “Car nice and sharp, light, little fuel in it. I really noticed that Tim was making more and more speed.”
The terrain was also different. “This was more racing because we also had to go over roads. Gravel roads, but less muddy terrain,” Tom explains.
Day two decisive for rally
Tom looks back on two intensive weeks. “Had two beautiful weeks here. Yeah, day two was unfortunate of course. That was our ‘Dakar day’, which basically ruined everything,” he says honestly. “But yeah, you have to experience it once and we did. Then the overall is also different.”
The crash on the second stage threw a wrench in the works for the overall classification, but the brothers showed afterwards that they can match the pace. “Ultimately I’m very satisfied that we’re at the finish again,” says Tom. “The classification is what it is after day two, but you have to make sure you finish and have a bit of pace. Well, we certainly had that pace. So no, very happy with how everything went.”
Car without problems
Tim is especially pleased with the reliability. “The car didn’t do a thing wrong, so as far as I’m concerned it’s a 100 percent score,” he says proudly.
Tom thanks everyone who made it possible. “I want to thank the sponsors, all the partners. Because if you look at Mike Willems, he’s turning 77 and still drives the Dakar. Then you know roughly how long we can keep this up. Thank you all for following and on to the next adventure!”
Tim concludes: “Thank you partners, and of course the boys. Now podium and having fun!”
Tim and Tom Coronel have completed the Dakar Rally 2026. Despite the setback on the second stage, they showed they belong at the right pace, with strong performances in the final phase of the rally. The Century CR7 T1+ came through the rally with the brothers well.
