Dakar Rally 2021 Stage 6 Results & Highlights: Harith Noah Continues To Charge Ahead

Organizers said, "Due to the difficulties encountered in finishing stage 5 by a significant number of competitors, the decision has been taken to delay the departure of the riders and crews from the bivouac in Al Qaisumah by 1 hour 30 minutes. The route of the special on stage 6 has therefore been shortened by one hundred kilometres in order to make the programme less tough."

They further added, "However, competitors will still have to tackle sand and dunes. Though navigational skills will again play a decisive role in the outcome of this special, the riders' and drivers' physical capacities will also be sorely tested, demanding a considerable effort from them. After that, they will fully deserve the rest day that will take place in Ha'il."

The sixth stage of the 2021 Dakar Rally was won by Joan Barreda Bort riding for Monster Energy Honda Rally team. Finishing in second place is Ross Branch (Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team). Daniel Sanders (KTM Factory Team) completed the podium places by taking the 3rd spot in Stage 6 of the race.

The 2021 Dakar Rally Stage 4 was held between Al Qaisumah and Ha'il. The stage covered a total distance of 618 kilometres. Out of which 448 kilometres were the Special competitive stage. Speaking about the competitive special stage, the terrain changed frequently from sand, hard soil and dunes. This again proved to be challenging for all participants.

Hero MotoSports Rally Team finished well on Stage 6 of the rally race. Joaquim Rodrigues secures another top 10 finish to get placed in 8th position. While his teammate Sebastian Buhler finishes in 21st place overall. After the sixth stage of the race, Joaquim Rodrigues and Sebastian Buhler have been placed in 17th and 21 positions, respectively in General Standings.

Harith Noah, who is now the only Indian participant still in contention of the 2021 Dakar Rally had an amazing Stage 6 of the race. The Indian rider completed the sixth stage in 27th position overall with a total time of 04:21:49 — which is 36 minutes and 22 seconds behind the leader.

While his teammates Lorenzo Santolino and Rui Goncalves finish Stage 6 of the rally race in 17th and 35th position overall. After the latest stage of the race, the Sherco Factory Rally Team riders Lorenzo Santolino, Rui Goncalves and Harith Noah are placed in 8th, 28th and 35th positions in general standings of the race.

2019 Dakar Rally winner Toby Price has taken the lead in the 2021 Dakar Rally riding for Red Bull KTM Factory Team. While 2nd an 3rd places are taken by Monster Energy Honda Rally Team riders Kevin Benavides and Jose Ignacia Corenjo Florimo in the General Standings. Both riders are just a couple of minutes away from the race leader. Top seven riders in the race are split by just over 6 minutes.

Stage 6 Provisional Results:
Hero MotoSport Rally Team Standings
8th Position - Joaquim Rodrigues [03:50:02]
21st Position - Sebastian Buhler [04:06:01]

Sherco Rally Team Standings
17th Position - Lorenzo Santolino [03:57:19]
27th Position - Harith Noah [04:21:49]
35th Position - Rui Goncalves [04:32:07]

Stage 6 Standings (Bike)
1st Position - Joan Barreda Bort [03:45:27] (Monster Energy Honda Team 2021)
2nd Position - Ross Branch [03:45:40] (Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team)
3rd Position - Daniel Sanders [03:46:20] (KTM Factory Team)

Stage 6 Winners In Other Categories
Quad:
Alexandre Giroud (TEAM Giroud)

Car:
Carlos Sainz & Lucas Cruz (X-Raid MINI JCW Team)

Lightweight Vehicle:
Seth Quintero & Dennis Zenz (Red Bull Off-Road Team USA)

SSV:
Khalifa Al Attiyah & Paolo Ceci (South Racing CAN-AM)

Truck:
Airat Mardeev, Dmitry Svistunov & Akhmet Galiautinov (Kamaz - Master)

Classic:
Ondrej Klymciw & Petr Vlcek (Klymciw Racing)

General Standings After Stage 6 (Provisional)
Hero MotoSport Rally Team Standings
17th Position - Joaquim Rodrigues
21st Position - Sebastian Buhler

Sherco Rally Team Standings
8th Position - Lorenzo Santolino
28th Position - Rui Goncalves
35th Position - Harith Noah

Overall Standings (Bike)
1st Position - Toby Price (Red Bull KTM Factory Team)
2nd Position - Kevin Benavides (Monster Energy Honda Team 2021)
3rd Position - Jose Ignacia Corenjo Florimo (Monster Energy Honda Team 2021)

General Standings Leaders In Other Categories
Quad:
Nicolas Cavigliasso (DRAG'ON Rally Team)

Car:
Stephane Peterhansel & Edouard Boulanger (X-Raid MINI JCW Team)

Lightweight Vehicle:
Aron Domzala & Maciej Marton (Monster Energy CAN-AM)

SSV:
Aron Domzala & Maciej Marton (Monster Energy CAN-AM)

Truck:
Dmitry Sotnikov, Ruslan Akhmadeev & Ilgiz Akhmetzianov (Kamaz - Master)

Classic:
Marc Douton & Emilien Etienne (Team Sunhill)

Thoughts About The 2021 Dakar Rally Stage 6 Result & Highlights

Hero MotoSports and Harith Noah who are still in contention in the 2021 Dakar Rally continues their steady performance in Stage 6 representing the country. All participants are looking forward to the rest day in Ha'il, where they can recharge prepare themselves for the second part of the 2021 Dakar Rally.