Issue #651: Dakar Halfway Report

We start 2026 with all the things to look forward to in the new F1 season, which boasts new regulations, one new driver, one new circuit and two new teams. It promises to be one of the most unpredictable seasons for many years, Jack Oliver Smith and James Phillips, take you through what's in store in this week’s edition of Start Your Engines. The iconic Dakar is well underway, and amid the usual chaos and excitement in the desert, Qatari driver Nasser Al-Attiyah has just taken his Dacia to the top of the order at the halfway stage, David Ledbitter has all the details. In Mexico City, Nick Cassidy produced a typical tactical masterclass to secure Citroen's first win in Formula E in just its second race, and the sport's 150th. Jack, Fleur Rogerson and Olivia Carbone provide all the action from the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. With Audi now taking over the Sauber entry in Formula 1, there is much anticipation for the famous German marque's first venture into Grand Prix since the pre-war days but with that comes the inevitable sadness of Sauber's goodbye to the sport. Jack and James chronicle the Swiss squad's 32 years in F1. James is also on hand to provide an ode to Renault, the famed French brand which bowed out of F1 in 2025, with Alpine deciding to give-up its OEM status to take on the cheaper option of becoming a Mercedes engine user. Lewis Hamilton’s dad, Anthony, is involved with a new series for young drivers that promises to produce cars that carry V10 hybrid cars, providing some nostalgia for older racing fans. Tiana Soans tells you all about it. In the two-wheeled world, British rider Sam Lowes exclusively speaks to Eden Hannigan about the ups and downs of racing, and his shift from Moto2 to World Superbikes. And as always, we have all the news, views and stories in this week's edition of the most widely read weekly motorsport magazine in the world!