The 2026 Dakar Rally came to a premature end for Isidre Esteve and Txema Villalobos. During the sixth stage, contested this Friday, the team suffered an accident that prevented them from continuing in the race. Both driver and co-driver are fine, although they were airlifted by helicopter for the relevant medical checks. Esteve has a crack in his sternum, while Villalobos is suffering from whiplash.
The incident occurred at kilometer 228 of the special stage when the car struck the face of a dune head-on. The impact significantly damaged the front end of the Toyota DKR GR Hilux, making it impossible to continue.
“We started the stage very well, but at kilometer 228 we hit the face of a dune. Fortunately, Txema and I are fine. It’s a shame to have to retire, especially after the great stage we completed yesterday, when we were able to show our pace.”
This retirement comes in Isidre Esteve’s 21st Dakar appearance—10 on a motorcycle and 11 in a car—and represents the fourth withdrawal overall in the long career of the driver from Oliana (Lleida) in the world’s toughest race. Until now, he had retired only twice on a bike (2003 and 2006) and once in a car (2020).
The misfortune arrives just one day after the Repsol Toyota Rally Team delivered its best performance of Dakar 2026 with 21st overall in stage five, and while it was holding 27th place overall in the Ultimate category.
Source: Repsol Toyota Rally Team
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