After doubling in Morocco, the Dacia Sandriders are ready to take on the Dakar

The Dacia Sandriders made their mark on their competitive debut by taking a stunning victory at the Rallye du Maroc, after five days of tough competition over nearly 2,500 kilometers of tough terrain.

What was initially just a test for this new team, then turned into a brilliant victory in the World Rally-Raid Championship, which is well before the first participation of Dacia at Dakar 2025.

Historical double in Morocco

Nasser Al-Attiyah and Edouard Boulanger, who took control from the first stage, established themselves as the 2024 rally attack world champions, drivers and co-drivers, after collecting points with other teams throughout the season. Qatari Nasser Al-Attiyah is now a three-time world champion, his victory in Morocco marking his seventh success in this event.

After winning the longest stage of 325 kilometers between Zagora and Mengoub, Sébastien Loeb and Fabian Lurquin finished the rally in style by winning the fifth stage. After starting the final day in fourth place, Loeb managed to finish second in the general classification, thus giving the Dacia Sandriders a historic double.

« Finishing first and second is a good result for the team. The start of the rally was difficult for us, with problems in the prologue, then a small collision in the first stage that cost us time. But we did four good stages and everything worked perfectly. The car is competitive, and we are ready to take on the challenge of the Dakar. » says Sebastien Loeb.

Cristina Gutiérrez and Pablo Moreno, despite a series of problems at the event, fought to finish seventh in this last stage which took place on normal off-road terrain.

Going to Saudi Arabia

With three stage victories out of five and a double, the Dacia Sandriders team has not only demonstrated their competitiveness, but also collected essential data for the development of their cars in preparation for the Dakar.

The work to be ready for the Dakar 2025, which will be held in Saudi Arabia from 3 to 17 Januaryjust started. A month of intense preparation awaits the Dacia Sandriders before they leave for the Middle East, where their biggest challenge to date awaits them.