ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Indonesian rally driver Julian Johan delivered a historic performance at the 2026 Dakar Rally, one of the world’s most demanding motorsport events.
Backed by Motul, Johan surpassed his initial goal of simply finishing the race and emerged as one of Indonesia’s most successful competitors ever at Dakar.
At Dakar 2026, Johan secured first place in the Iconic Class, third in the H2 category, and an impressive fifth overall—a level of achievement never previously reached by an Indonesian driver at the legendary rally.
“Until the final day, the results were beyond expectations. We finished fifth overall, third in the H2 class, and first in the Iconic Class,” Johan said in an official statement on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Proving Strength at the World’s Toughest Rally
Widely regarded as the ultimate test of endurance, navigation, and mental resilience, the Dakar Rally spans extreme terrain and distances of up to 8,000 kilometers. Merely completing the rally is considered a major accomplishment.
Johan went further.
“I hope this result can inspire other Indonesian rally drivers. At last, there is an Indonesian who has truly completed the Dakar Rally,” he said.
Overall Winners of Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2026
The Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2026 concluded on Saturday in Yanbu Governorate, marking the seventh edition of the event held in the Kingdom and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s status as a global motorsport hub.
In the Ultimate cars category, Qatar’s Nasser Al-Attiyah claimed overall victory, securing his sixth Dakar title and his third win on Saudi soil.
Al-Attiyah completed the rally in 48 hours, 56 minutes, and 53 seconds, finishing 9 minutes and 42 seconds ahead of Spain’s Nani Roma (Ford Racing), while Mattias Ekström of Sweden (Ford Racing) placed third, 14 minutes and 33 seconds behind the leader.
The trophy was presented by Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdullah bin Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF).
In the motorcycle category, Luciano Benavides of Argentina (Red Bull KTM) took victory in 49 hours and 41 seconds, edging out Ricky Brabec of the United States and Tosha Schareina of Spain.
Spain’s Pau Navarro topped the Challenger category in 54 hours and 46 minutes, followed by Saudi driver Yasir bin Seaidan and Argentina’s Nicolas Cavigliasso.
In the SSV category, American driver Brock Heger emerged victorious in 55 hours and 11 minutes, ahead of Kyle Chaney (US) and Xavier de Soultrait (France).
Meanwhile, the truck category was won by Vaidotas Žala of Lithuania in 56 hours and 58 minutes, finishing ahead of Aleš Loprais (Czech Republic) and Mitchel van den Brink (Netherlands).
The final stage covered 138 kilometers, including 105 kilometers of timed special stage, bringing the grueling 2026 edition to a close.
Indonesia Steps Onto the Global Rally Stage
Against this fiercely competitive international field, Julian Johan’s top-five overall finish and class victories stand out as a landmark achievement for Indonesian motorsport.
From a modest goal of finishing to competing among the world’s elite, his Dakar 2026 performance marks a new chapter for Indonesia on the global rally stage. (AT Network)
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