After a successful performance at the Rallye du Maroc, Dacia flirts with the role of favorite in the most important endurance rally of the season.
Dakar 2025 is starting, and Dacia, with an impressive ranking in the rally in Morocco, where they took first and second place, is also aiming for a good result in Saudi Arabia. The Moroccan test served as a general practice for many teams, but it is not necessarily a predictor of success at the Dakar.
In the holy grail of the endurance rally, this year it will be necessary to cover 5.145 kilometers in 12 speed tests. To overcome the demanding terrain of the Great Arabian Desert, Dacia prepared three Sandriders, in which top racers such as nine-time World Rally Championship champion Sébastien Loeb and five-time Dakar winner Qatari Nasser Al-Attiyah were installed. The third car is driven by Christina Gutierrez, also known from the Extreme E series.
The recent success in Morocco has certainly boosted the team's confidence. However, the Dakar Rally presents a unique set of challenges. In order for the Sandriders to be up to the task, Dacia focused primarily on improving reliability and optimizing engine cooling.
"During testing, we encountered some problems with the electronics of the fans used to cool the engine," explained Technical Director Philip Dunabin. "With the help of Alpine Racing, we made sure that these components are now significantly more durable and reliable."
The Dacia Sandrider boasts a carbon fiber body, a lightweight tubular frame and a powerful 3,0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with a maximum output of 265 kW (355 hp). The engine, combined with a six-speed sequential gearbox and four-wheel drive, allows the Sandrider to compete in the ultimate Ultimate T1+ class, where its rivals will be Toyota Hilux, Ford Raptor DKR and Mini JCW Rally. It is also important from an environmental point of view that the vehicle is powered by synthetic fuel provided by Aramco.
Dacia is a potential favorite to win the rally thanks to a strong driver line-up and Sandrider's impressive track record in Morocco. Dakar 2025 promises to be an exciting competition, and Dacia expects to fight for overall victory among motorists.
