The sixth stage of the Dakar, which featured the first major presence of large desert dunes this year, proved to be the end of the road for Esteve. The accident occurred between the 204 and 248 kilometer marks of the special stage.

The impact was severe enough to completely destroy the adapted Toyota Hilux in the T1 category driven by the Oliana native. This withdrawal concludes his 21st participation in the famous desert race.

Despite the severity of the crash, both Isidre Esteve and his co-driver, Txema Villalobos, are reported to be in good physical condition. Esteve sustained only a small fracture to his sternum, while Villalobos, who hails from Calonge, suffered a severe cervical strain.