Yamaha Ténéré Dominates Stage 9 at Africa Eco Race

Kevin Gallas leads a strong day for the Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team with a Stage 9 podium at the Africa Eco Race, as five Yamaha riders hold top-seven overall spots heading into the decisive Stage 10.

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The Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team continues to tighten its grip on the 2026 Africa Eco Race, delivering another commanding performance on Stage 9 as the rally carved deeper into the dunes of Mauritania.

With brutal heat, endless soft sand and a 426 km timed special separating Aidzidine from Ouad Naga, the day demanded patience, precision and serious endurance. Temperatures climbed past 40°C, turning every mistake into a costly one, yet Yamaha’s Ténéré 700 Rally machines looked completely at home.

At the front, Kevin Gallas once again stole the spotlight.

The German powered through the dunes to finish second on the stage, claiming his fifth podium of the rally and moving up to second overall. Remarkably, this is only his third rally raid, but he’s riding with the composure of a veteran. Smooth navigation and clean lines through the sand kept him within striking distance of the leader with three stages still to run.

Right behind him, António Maio completed another double podium for Yamaha in third. The six-time Dakar finisher continues to build momentum and now sits sixth in the general classification after one of his most consistent performances of the event.

Experience also paid off for Alessandro Botturi. After losing over an hour earlier in the rally due to mechanical trouble, the Italian dug deep for a gritty fourth-place finish on the stage. It was classic Botturi, smart, relentless and fast when it mattered, lifting him back to seventh overall.

Meanwhile, Gautier Paulin played the long game. Tasked with opening the stage, he still delivered sixth and strategically eased off late to secure a stronger starting position for the next day. The tactic worked perfectly, promoting him to third overall and keeping him firmly in podium contention.

By day’s end, five Ténéré riders occupied the top seven positions, while Yamaha locked out the top three spots in the Over 650cc class, a clear statement against lighter single-cylinder rivals.

And the timing couldn’t be better.

Stage 10 looms as the rally’s decisive battleground: a punishing 445 km loop packed with dune crossings and tricky navigation. It’s the final full-length special before the shortened run toward Dakar, meaning it’s the last real chance to attack.

Momentum is on Yamaha’s side. Now it’s about finishing the job.