To his advantage during this seventh stage, Nasser Al-Attiyah (VW) won his sixth special stage in the Dakar. Above all, the Atari opened up significant gaps over its teammates Carlos Sainz (+4?21??) and Mark Miller (+8?40??). As a result, Al-Attiyah closed in on the leader, Sainz, and consolidated his second place by fending off Miller. The Qatari now has 11:03?? behind Sainz and 11:03?? ahead of Miller. This Saturday, the competitors will have a day of rest.