On January 4th, Dakar Rally 2026 conducted 305km of competition on a loop course based in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. The event entered full-scale competition. HINO TEAM SUGAWARA's HINO600 Series (Teruhito Sugawara/Hirokazu Somemiya/Yuji Mochizuki crew), which started in 13th position in the Truck class based on the previous day's prologue run results, raised their position to 9th by the middle section and ran steadily through to the end, finishing in 116th place overall in the four-wheel category* and 9th place in the Truck class, 33 minutes 59 seconds behind the top (Ales Loprais crew's Iveco Powerstar). They got off to a smooth start in the opening stage without troubles.

The day's schedule first had the SS (Special Stage) start from a point 100km northwest of the start camp in Yanbu. The 305km SS meandered through the inland area in the first half and descended linearly to the southeast in the second half, finishing on the southeast side of Yanbu. Perhaps due to recent rainfall, the road surface was mostly rough gravel mixed with stones, particularly in the first half, with continuous low to medium-speed sections. However, the HINO600 had improved ride comfort on rough roads thanks to the effects of the suspension setting review, and maintained a stable pace while paying close attention to punctures. Short sand dunes also appeared in the latter half, but the difficulty level was low, and they arrived at the goal with no troubles and no punctures. After the goal, they returned to the start camp in Yanbu via a 119km liaison (transit section). It was already after sunset, but upon arriving at the bivouac, the mechanics immediately began inspection and maintenance work.

On the 5th, they will finally leave coastal Yanbu for Al-Ula in the mountainous area. The route of this competition, which will take two weeks to go clockwise around Saudi Arabia's vast desert region, will finally get moving. The SS distance is also long at 400km, and it looks like it will be a tough schedule typical of Dakar.

Teruhito Sugawara
Today there were many rough road surfaces, but I could physically feel the effect of adjusting the suspension in a softer direction. Combined with good traction, the edges of vibration became rounded and ride comfort improved. We were able to run smoothly even in sections with rocks scattered around. I think the course on the 5th tomorrow will have even worse road surfaces, so I will drive carefully.

Hirokazu Somemiya
Navigation went smoothly. Regarding the roadbook, I thought it was considerate that they intentionally placed waypoints at locations with complex instructions so we wouldn't get lost. Steep sand dunes that trucks cannot climb also appeared, but we detoured and cleared them without problems. I'm glad the ride comfort on bumpy roads was also improved.

Yuji Mochizuki
Today we ran maintaining high tire pressure to avoid punctures. It seems the front-rear balance adjustment went in a good direction, and the brake temperature was also problem-free. Sand dunes also appeared, but the difficulty level was low, and we were able to get through with the transfer remaining in high range.

Takayuki Monma
I went to the service point set up in the middle of the SS with the mechanics in preparation for troubles, but there was nothing. I'm glad we were able to see them running safely.

*Rankings are provisional as of 2:30 AM Japan time.