The overall classification of the Dakar Rally remains tight, with the top-seven drivers separated by under 20 minutes. But daily stage results regularly saw surprises and a pendulum effect, as anyone finishing among the front positions on one stage had almost no chance of making the top 10 the next day.
The stage winner has to start open the running on the following day and thus take on the task of navigation. For the competitors behind, navigation becomes easier because they can follow the tracks, which usually makes them faster.
