2025 Dakar Rally Stage 10: Hero MotoSports’ Nacho Cornejo finishes 23rd
Nacho maintains his 7th overall rank with a strategic approach for Stage 11
Nacho maintains his 7th overall rank with a strategic approach for Stage 11
Hero MotoSports Team Rally’s Nacho Cornejo has completed a tactical Stage 10 in the 2025 Dakar Rally, with the rally entering the infamous Empty Quarter. Cornejo, who has been consistently strong throughout the rally, finished in 23rd place today after a well-calculated decision to slow down in the final stretch.
Stage 10, which spanned 635km and included a challenging 520km road section and 115km of timed special, was a true test for competitors. Cornejo, who was running in the top-5 after the 82km mark, opted to ease off towards the end of the stage to secure a favourable starting position for tomorrow’s long and demanding Stage 11. His strategy paid off, as he maintained his 7th place overall in the rankings and won’t have to open the stage come Stage 11.
“We've successfully navigated Stage 10, our first encounter with a stage full of dunes. Although it was a relatively short stage, it was important for us to secure a favourable starting position for tomorrow’s long stage. I adopted a cautious and conscious approach to achieve this, and I’m glad that everything went according to the plan. With tomorrow’s stage being the final push – a lengthy, dune-filled challenge – I’m looking forward to giving it my all and enjoying every moment of it.” said Cornejo.
With only two stages left, Cornejo is looking forward to the final push. Tomorrow’s Stage 11 will see competitors tackle 275km of timed special, followed by 232 km of road sections.
