The KH-7 ECOVERGY maintains its lead in Mission 1000 after a demanding ninth stage
Jordi Juvanteny, José Luis Criado, and Xavi Ribas score 15 points on a route of narrow tracks, terrain that is not particularly favorable for the MAN 6x6 truck.
The veteran team, pioneers in hydrogen and electric hybrid technology, are 16 points ahead of the second-placed team in the overall standings.
Criado: “The stage was quite complicated, with many parallel tracks and crossroads that forced you to pay close attention to the correct route. At one point we got lost, but we sorted it out quickly.”
The KH-7 ECOVERGY Team remains at the top of the Mission 1000 standings after completing the ninth stage of the 2026 Dakar Rally, contested between Wadi ad Dawasir and Bisha. Jordi Juvanteny, José Luis Criado, and Xavi Ribas drew on their experience to manage a demanding day and maintain a solid lead at the top of the category.
The Spanish team completed the route in Normal Mode, which earned them a 5-point bonus in addition to the 10 points for finishing the stage. Although their main rival managed to close the gap by driving in Sport Mode, the MAN 6x6 crew retains a 16-point lead in the overall standings and remains on track for their third victory.
The narrow and winding route—unfavorable for the large size of the truck—together with the complex navigation, marked the stage. The special stage, initially planned to be 80 kilometers long, was reduced to 62 km by decision of the race management, given the impossibility of guaranteeing medical coverage in the final section.
In this scenario, with complicated crossings and abundant vegetation limiting visibility, the team suffered a slight loss of direction at one point along the route. However, their accumulated experience in the cab, both in navigation and vehicle management, allowed them to quickly get back on track. It should be noted that Jordi Juvanteny and José Luis Criado have participated in the Dakar Rally a total of 69 times (34 times for the driver and 35 times for the co-driver), assisted for the third consecutive year by Xavi Ribas, who is responsible for developing the truck's hybrid hydrogen and electric system.
"The stage was quite complicated, especially in terms of navigation, with many parallel tracks and crossroads that forced you to be very aware of the correct course. At one point we got lost, but we solved it quickly and maintained a good pace. There was a lot of vegetation, which made both visibility and reading the route difficult. In the end, the balance is positive and we remain in the lead," explains co-driver José Luis Criado.
This Wednesday, January 14, the tenth stage of the 2026 Dakar Rally will take place, in which the Mission 1000 participants will have to complete a loop starting and ending in Bisha, covering a total of 370 kilometers, 72 of which will be timed.
Source: KH-7 ECOVERGY Team
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