Ford's Nani Roma survives late crash and gasoline drama to maintain Dakar podium hopes alive

Nani Roma described Stage 12 of the 2026 Dakar Rally as “the hardest day of my profession” after a late crash, mechanical harm and a gasoline scarcity almost ended his podium hopes.

With the end line in sight, the manufacturing facility Ford driver misplaced one of many wheels on his Raptor, finishing the timed a part of the stage on three wheels.

Nonetheless, his troubles weren’t over, as he nonetheless wanted to finish the transport part of almost 200km to succeed in the bivouac in Yanbu.

Whereas his hopes of a 3rd profession victory in Dakar have been all however over by this section of the rally, consolidating his second place end was nonetheless very important, particularly with different Ford drivers even additional behind within the standings.

“I misplaced a little bit of focus,” he advised the media together with Motorsport.com. “There was wind, mud… and once I appeared again on the monitor, the affect was large. I locked the whole lot up.”

The automotive was severely broken, and a number of other Ford drivers, together with Romain Dumas, Mitch Guthrie and Martin Prokop needed to step in to assist the Spaniard.

Le Mans 24 Hours and Pikes Peak winner Dumas provided his Raptor’s entrance axle with the intention to assist Roma restore his automotive and attain the end line.

“As we speak is, certainly, the toughest day of my profession. I don’t consider in miracles… however at this time I do,” he advised the media. “With out the group I wouldn’t be right here. It’s not possible.”

Nonetheless, there was extra drama for Roma, along with his Ford working out of gasoline simply seven kilometres from the bivouac.

That is when Ebro driver Laia Sanz got here into the image. Roma had overtaken her on the route and requested for assist. In a hanging act of sportsmanship, the Catalan driver towed his Ford to the end line – a gesture that saved a podium place.

“Yesterday I used to be saying there aren’t any miracles… that is one,” he added.

With simply the ultimate stage and greater than 100km of timed working remaining, Roma is greater than quarter-hour behind Al-Attiyah, who’s on track for a sixth profession win in Dakar.

Profitable the distinguished Touareg trophy is now virtually a pipe dream for Roma, holding second place after what he endured looks like an ethical victory.

“There comes a second while you not take into consideration the rostrum. You concentrate on crying,” he mentioned.