Last year, Dacia, a brand known for its outdoor spirit, announced its participation in the Dakar Rally and the World Rally Raid Championship (W2RC) starting in 2025. The team is gearing up for the 2025 W2RC title campaign following a decisive 1-2 finish at the Rallye du Maroc, which served as a preparation race.
Dacia’s contender, the Sandrider, is designed for victory in the world’s most challenging terrains. After extensive testing, the team is ready to take on the Dakar Rally, motorsport’s ultimate challenge.
The 2025 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship begins on January 3 and runs through January 17. The race will cover 5,145 kilometres across Saudi Arabia’s rugged landscape, emphasizing speed, navigation, and endurance.
Tiphanie Isnard, Dacia Sandriders’ team principal, acknowledged the challenges ahead. “We face an extraordinary human challenge but are prepared and excited to start. While we may be riding high after our win at the Rallye du Maroc, we must stay focused and not underestimate the task at hand,” she stated.
DRIVER QUOTES…
NASSER AL-ATTIYAH (QATAR)
“The target is victory, and I am confident this is possible. We showed in Morocco how strong our Dacia Sandrider was, how competitive we could be in harsh conditions and how good our young team was. But with a challenging route, particularly during the first week, we must be clever, avoid taking unnecessary risks and concentrate.
“Two of my five Dakar wins have come in Saudi Arabia, so I have a good idea of what we can expect, but this is a rally where you must expect the unexpected each day for more than two weeks. It won’t be easy, but we will do everything possible to win.”
CRISTINA GUTIÉRREZ (SPAIN)
“My feelings before the Dakar are powerful. It has been an incredible year of learning; Pablo and I are like two little children, and we have adapted very well to the Ultimate category and brought out the best in us.
“I feel delighted to be part of The Dacia Sandriders because I feel part of a complete family. The atmosphere among the team is incredible, and we are going with great enthusiasm to achieve a good result. We know it is the first year we are all driving together, but we are also confident after the tests and Rallye du Maroc.”
SÉBASTIEN LOEB (FRANCE)
“I’m excited to kick off the Dakar with The Dacia Sandriders. We’ve worked hard to prepare for this race, and the excitement is truly building. Our goal is always to win, but we know how many critical factors must align for that to happen. It will be a tough Dakar, and we may have to manage our position more than we push to be able to win it. We will assess how things evolve day by day, but I’m hopeful that our experience will be a key advantage. We’re ready to give it everything we’ve got, and I know the team will do the same.”
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