The Dakar Rally 2026 reached its rest day on January 10th in Riyadh, the capital city located in central Saudi Arabia.

No competition takes place on this day, and each team concentrates on vehicle inspections and repairs to prepare for the second half. The HINO 600 Series of HINO TEAM SUGAWARA completed the first half without major troubles, but on the rest day, in addition to thorough inspections, they perform scheduled replacement of consumable parts and lubricants. The mechanics of HINO TEAM SUGAWARA immersed themselves in work from the evening of the 9th and completed it by the early morning of the 11th. The vehicles were finished in a condition like new cars, with preparations for the second half complete.

The course of this event forms a vast loop circling clockwise around Saudi Arabia, based from the Red Sea coastal city of Yanbu. The first half, which toured the mountainous regions of the north, frequently featured rough road stages such as rocky wadis (dry riverbeds) and bumpy rock surfaces, but the second half, going through the desert areas of the south, will consist of continuous sand dune stages. An increase in difficulty is also anticipated, centered around the event's second marathon stage taking place between Wadi Ad Dawasir and Bisha from the 13th to 14th.

The 11th is the first day of the second half. A 462km competition is scheduled heading south to Wadi Ad Dawasir.

Takayuki Monma
Last night we completed the scheduled front leaf spring replacement. We began work at 8:30 this morning and will proceed systematically with major maintenance for the second half. Up until now, someone has been taking turns catching a cold, but it has almost subsided. Everyone will manage their health properly and work hard for the one week of the second half.

Seiichi Suzuki
This year's vehicle is frighteningly durable. It may be the effect of countermeasures from the previous trouble, but we've only driven in sand dunes for one day, so we can't say for certain. Since we made the suspension springs softer, we plan to replace the front once and the rear twice over the entire course. I got my throat affected by the sand and dust.

Koji Yoshikawa
I've been working on-site with this year's dealer mechanics since the preliminary Jeddah Rally. Their movements are smooth, they actively make suggestions, and we're able to work in a good atmosphere. The vehicle has been running well up to this point, but I'm concerned about damage in the second half where the course is tough. I want us all to stay focused and get through it together.

Hirotaka Imagawa
When inspecting the underside, damage from flying stones and oil leaks from shock absorbers reveal the intensity of the input during competition. The Dakar site is a continuous series of things you can't experience in Japan. The teamwork is good and work is easy to do, and I've gotten quite used to it. The tent was also easier to sleep in than expected.

Masakazu Tazawa
The vehicle is running well, but since we've been driving with considerable load daily, looseness has started to appear in various joints. That said, there has been no replacement work of major components due to troubles up to this point. The feelings while waiting at the bivouac are both wanting them to give it their all and achieve good results, and wanting them to return safely.

Takumi Kikuch
The first half was so busy that I don't have many memories. Even when inspections show nothing is broken, we often apply some kind of response, and frequently work until around 5 a.m. My throat became sore from the sand and dust shortly after the start, but I want to manage my health properly and enjoy the remaining one week.

Ryoko Makita
The week from the start passed in a flash. There are people from many countries and various cultures at the bivouac, making me realize anew that this is an international event. The minimal damage to Hino Team vehicles returning from competition makes one feel Driver Sugawara's skill.