Sandriders and Nasser Al-Attiyah Crowned Dakar Rally Champions
Dacia has secured the greatest motorsport victory in its history, with Nasser Al-Attiyah and co-driver Fabian Lurquin steering the Dacia Sandrider to overall victory in the 48th Dakar Rally. This is a remarkable achievement, considering it was only the brand's second appearance in the world's toughest endurance race.
The 13-day challenge, covering nearly 8,000 kilometers through the dunes and rocky mountain trails of Saudi Arabia, demanded the absolute maximum from the team. Al-Attiyah and Lurquin maintained a commanding presence, staying within the top three for almost the entire duration of the rally. During the final 105-kilometer stage around Yanbu, the Qatari pilot drove with extreme caution to secure his sixth career Dakar title. For his co-driver, this victory marked their first time standing on the top step of the Dakar podium.
The success was a true team effort, as other Dacia crews also delivered strong performances: the legendary Sébastien Loeb finished fourth—missing out on a podium spot by mere seconds—while Lucas Moraes claimed seventh and Cristina Gutiérrez finished 11th.
The Dacia Sandrider is more than just a racing car; it is a laboratory on wheels, proving the viability of synthetic fuels and smart design under the most extreme conditions.
