Dacia reveals Dakar hopes
The Dacia Sandriders team has completed its initial testing phase as part of its ongoing preparations for next year’s Dakar, the ultimate motorsport challenge that it will take on for the first time in January 2025.
Following a systems’ check at Millbrook Proving Ground in the UK, The Dacia Sandriders spent four days at the Sweet Lamb testing complex in Wales between 6nd – 9th May. The team then headed to Château de Lastours, France, for another four days of intense testing between 27th – 31st May. Whilst there the three crews had the opportunity to test the Sandrider, fitted with BF Goodrich tyres, on rocky and demanding terrain.
Cristina Gutiérrez was behind the wheel of the Sandrider for two days in Wales before Sébastien Loeb, the nine-time world rally champion, took over test and development duties.
Multiple Dakar winner Nasser Al-Attiyah got his first taste of the car at Château de Lastours over two days. Sébastien returned to the cockpit for the one and a half days with Cristina called on for the final afternoon of running.
The Dacia Sandriders’ team principal Tiphanie Isnard has confirmed that the initial testing phase has exceeded expectations with very few issues experienced.
Extensive work is now under way ahead of the first comprehensive test in Morocco from 28 June until 5 July. That’s when the Sandrider will be put through its paces on terrain similar to what will be encountered during the Dakar, the opening round of the 2025 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship in Saudi Arabia from 3rd – 17th January, 2025.
