Title-holder Yazeed Al Rajhi was forced to pull out of the Dakar Rally due to mechanical problems, organisers said on Wednesday.
"Hit by technical issues, Yazeed Al Rajhi has announced he will withdraw from the stage at km 234," organisers said in a brief update.
"The 2025 Dakar winner sees his overall hopes disappear and will not be able to defend his title this year."
❌ End of the road for Yazeed Al Rajhi and Timo Gottschalk today. Technical issues at km 234 end the 2025 Dakar winner’s overall campaign. 🛠
— DAKAR RALLY (@dakar) January 7, 2026
Follow the race live 🔴https://t.co/BrruP0pcjg#Dakar2026 #DakarInSaudi pic.twitter.com/2670lQqYea
The 44-year-old Saudi had already struggled since the race began this week and was languishing down in 19th place early on Wednesday.
Last year's surprise winner suffered mechanical issues at the worst possible time as Wednesday and Thursday form the first marathon stage, meaning he would not be able to receive mechanical assistance for his Toyota Hilux late on Wednesday at the end of the 452km special stage.
Billionaire Al Rahji, who comes from one of Saudi Arabia's richest families, has had a tough time since winning the 2025 Dakar Rally.
In April he crashed badly during a race in Jordan, fracturing several vertebrae, keeping him off course for several months.