Tim and Tom Coronel have completed the first real stage of the 2026 Dakar Rally. The brothers finished more than 53 minutes behind the stage winner on the challenging 305-kilometer opening run around Yanbu. A problem with the steering rod cost the duo valuable minutes, but thanks to a quick roadside repair, they kept the damage limited. « We’ve shaken off the rust, » says Tom. « We feel good and everything’s running smoothly. »
The problems started early in the stage. « The steering wheel kept getting more and more crooked, » Tom explains. « Then you know something’s not right. And it just got worse. » After 30 kilometers, the brothers already noticed something was wrong, but only after 50 to 60 kilometers did they decide to stop and find the problem.
Steering rod loses threads
Upon inspection, the ball joint of the steering rod at the steering box turned out to be losing more and more threads. « It kept getting longer, so the steering wheel started standing at a weird angle, » Tom explains. « We pulled the cover off, saw it was completely loose and fixed it. That’ll cost you a good 20 minutes though. »
For Tim, it was tough to keep pushing hard in the meantime. « When your steering wheel keeps tilting further and you feel something happening underneath you, you’re going to drive more cautiously, » says Tim. « Eventually we decided we really had to stop and see what it was. »
Flat tire and dust battles
On top of the steering problem, Tom also had to change a flat tire. « Once I quickly swapped a tire by myself, Tim just kicked back in his seat, » Tom laughs. After the mandatory pit stop at kilometer 180, the duo spent a long time eating dust from other competitors. « Lots of driving in the dust, lots of throttle, » says Tim. « But the last 100 kilometers we could finally drive dust-free and pick up the pace a bit. »
Navigation also caused a small time loss when they followed a truck. « I told Tim: I think we need to turn left earlier here, we’re going too far right, » Tom recalls. « Turned out to be right. We were in the wrong valley and that cost us about 3 to 4 minutes. »
Rocky start
The first stage featured a brutal beginning with rocky terrain, narrow passages and sharp stones that significantly increased the risk of punctures. Only later in the run did the brothers reach sandier sections with small dunes, where the Century CR7 T1+ came into its own.
Despite the setbacks, Tim and Tom are satisfied looking back. « Actually a good day, the result reflects that, » says Tim. « Kept the damage limited and tomorrow we’ll start fresh again. » Tom agrees: « Not a problem-free stage unfortunately, but we kept pushing through. Everything else went well, really happy with it. First one’s in the books. »
Mountainous landscape towards Alula
Tomorrow awaits the second stage with a 400-kilometer special towards AlUla. The landscape quickly becomes more mountainous, with a rugged horizon in every direction. The first 200 kilometers feature constant pace changes: fast sections alternate with winding, rocky passages where you constantly need to adjust your speed. Tomorrow there’s also a pit stop halfway through for those wanting to mount fresh tires. After the hilly terrain, the average speed needs to go up to reach the finish line.