SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Jan. 18, 2025 – The Dacia Sandriders team has successfully completed its inaugural Dakar Rally, demonstrating resilience and achieving key milestones in one of motorsport's most challenging events.
Dacia Sandriders Triumphs in Dakar Rally Debut
The team's primary goal was to finish the grueling race, a feat accomplished with two of their three sustainably-fueled Dacia Sandrider cars crossing the finish line in Shubaytah, Saudi Arabia, on January 17th, 2025. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the Dacia Sandriders, showcasing their commitment to innovation and sustainable motorsport.
Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Successes
The Dakar Rally, known for its demanding terrain and unpredictable conditions, presented numerous challenges for the Dacia Sandriders. Despite setbacks, the team persevered, gaining invaluable experience and celebrating notable achievements.
Highlights included a stage win for Nasser Al-Attiyah and Édouard Boulanger, consistent top-ten stage finishes for Cristina Gutiérrez and Pablo Moreno, and impressive performances by Sébastien Loeb and Fabian Lurquin.
Al-Attiyah and Boulanger narrowly missed a podium finish, securing fourth place overall. Their stage victory on January 14th made Al-Attiyah the only driver in Dakar Rally history to achieve a fastest stage time in 18 consecutive participations.
Teamwork and Sportsmanship Define the Dacia Sandriders
Cristina Gutiérrez and Pablo Moreno demonstrated exceptional teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the rally. After an early setback, they shifted their focus to supporting their teammates, sacrificing their own position to assist others. This included providing mechanical aid to Al-Attiyah/Boulanger and Loeb/Lurquin on multiple occasions.
Looking Ahead to Future Challenges
With the Dakar Rally successfully completed, the Dacia Sandriders are now setting their sights on the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, taking place from February 21st to 27th. The team is confident that the experience gained in the Dakar Rally will prove invaluable in their continued pursuit of success in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship.
Quotes from the Dacia Sandriders Team
- Tiphanie Isnard, Team Principal: "First, I want to congratulate Yazeed Al-Rajhi... for their victory... As a team, we have learned a lot during our first Dakar... There was always a great mindset, and we improved a lot... I am really proud of the team because they work so hard... We are a great team together, and now we start our preparations for our next event.”
- Nasser Al-Attiyah, Driver: "The Dakar is not a small race... sometimes you have good days, sometimes you have bad days. Now we have a lot of experience; we will come back very strong next year and to win... This time it was not really working, but we believe in ourselves and our Dacia Sandrider that we can win next year, 100 percent."
- Cristina Gutiérrez, Driver: "It’s been a tough Dakar for us... But I am so happy with what Pablo and me achieved and so pleased with the experience we gained... The Dakar is not easy and needed lots of hard work to get to the finish... Now we’ll get some rest, but we’ll never stop pushing.”
Dacia Sandriders: Key Moments from the Dakar Rally
- Stage 1: Gutiérrez/Moreno secure fifth fastest time.
- Stage 2: Al-Attiyah/Boulanger finish third overall in the 48H Chrono stage. Gutiérrez/Moreno retire due to power steering failure.
- Stage 3: Loeb/Lurquin roll and retire. Al-Attiyah/Boulanger move to second overall.
- Stage 4: Al-Attiyah/Boulanger experience suspension issues, Gutiérrez/Moreno provide assistance.
- Stage 5: Al-Attiyah/Boulanger secure the fastest time but receive a penalty for a missing spare wheel.
- Stage 9: Al-Attiyah/Boulanger claim the Dacia Sandriders' first Dakar Rally stage win.
- Stage 12: Al-Attiyah/Boulanger finish second on the final stage, securing fourth overall in the rally.
Dakar Rally by the Numbers
- 7828: The total distance covered by The Dacia Sandriders during the 2025 Dakar Rally.
FIA World Rally-Raid Championship Standings
- Drivers/Navigators:
- Nasser Al-Attiyah/Édouard Boulanger - 48 points
- Cristina Gutiérrez/Pablo Moreno - 6 points
- Sébastien Loeb/Fabian Lurquin - 2 points
- Manufacturers:
- The Dacia Sandriders - 98 points
Conclusion
The Dacia Sandriders' successful completion of the 2025 Dakar Rally marks a significant achievement for the team. Their resilience, teamwork, and commitment to sustainable motorsport have been showcased on a global stage. As they prepare for the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, the Dacia Sandriders are poised to continue their pursuit of success in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship.