Dacia Sandriders Ready to Tackle Formidable Second Week at 2025 Dakar Rally
As the 2025 Dakar Rally reaches its midpoint, the Dacia Sandriders are poised to embark on the second week, determined to tackle the formidable challenges ahead. Participating for the first time in the arduous FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, the team has demonstrated impressive speed and potential across some of Saudi Arabia's most challenging terrains despite encountering several setbacks.
The team's accrued experience and exemplary teamwork have imbued them with a strong belief in managing the remaining 2,464 competitive kilometres. Tiphanie Isnard, Team Principal of the Dacia Sandriders, expressed her views: "Our debut at Dakar has certainly been testing, but it has greatly enhanced our understanding with each kilometre navigated. The loss of the #219 Dacia Sandrider was disappointing for Sébastien and Fabian, who performed brilliantly. Yet, the spirit within the team has been remarkable, notably demonstrated by Cristina and Pablo's supportive actions."
This spirit was particularly evident during Stage 4 on Wednesday. After helping Nasser Al-Attiyah and Édouard Boulanger continue following a suspension failure in the punishing terrain, Cristina Gutiérrez and Pablo Moreno were instrumental again at the overnight halt in AlUla after the first marathon stage. Marathon stage regulations forbid external assistance except from other competing FIA crews, so Moreno, an adept mechanic, worked alongside the team’s T5 crew to switch the gearboxes of both cars in preparation for Stage 5.
Previously, Gutiérrez and Moreno had supported Sébastien Loeb and Fabian Lurquin with spare parts and a replacement tyre after their vehicle rolled on Stage 3 due to an electrical issue on Stage 2. With five stages down, Al-Attiyah and Boulanger are in fourth place overall, 35 minutes behind the leaders, having just missed clinching the team’s inaugural Dakar Rally stage victory by a mere second during Thursday’s Stage 5. Meanwhile, owing to their non-finish on Stage 2, Gutiérrez and Moreno are positioned 45th.
The Dacia Sandriders have thus far experienced a series of significant moments, achieving several top finishes and overcoming numerous challenges. The team's continuous focus and collaboration underscore their competitive spirit and capability, setting the stage for an exciting and dynamic second week at the rally.
