AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Sébastien Loeb Slams FIA Over Controversial Dakar Disqualification: “Hard to Swallow” and not based on solid arguments”

Carl Smith by Carl Smith
January 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Sébastien Loeb Slams FIA Over Controversial Dakar Disqualification: “Hard to Swallow” and not based on solid arguments”

Sebastien Loeb (FRA) for The Dacia Sandriders at the finish line of stage 2 of Rally Dakar 2025 from BISHA to BISHA, Saudi Arabia on January 06, 2025. // Flavien Duhamel / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202501060270 // Usage for editorial use only //

Sébastien Loeb, a nine-time World Rally champion and one of motorsport’s most accomplished drivers, has expressed frustration and disbelief following his disqualification from the 2025 Dakar Rally. The decision, made after a safety inspection deemed his Dacia Sandrider’s roll cage insufficiently safe, ended Loeb’s campaign after just three stages.


A Crushing Blow for Loeb’s Dakar Hopes

The disqualification stemmed from damage sustained during a stage three rollover, a situation Loeb described as “unavoidable.” The FIA ruled that the compromised roll cage failed to meet safety standards, forcing Loeb and co-driver Fabian Lurquin to withdraw.

Loeb was understandably dejected, believing the team had provided ample evidence to prove the vehicle’s structural integrity. “The decision from the stewards – honestly, it’s hard to swallow,” Loeb lamented. “It’s frustrating and disappointing because, in my opinion, it’s not based on solid arguments.”


Safety Standards in Extreme Rallying Under Scrutiny

While Loeb acknowledged the importance of safety, he criticized the FIA for applying rigid standards that may not fully align with the extreme conditions of cross-country rallying.

“The line they’ve drawn here doesn’t feel suited to our discipline,” he said. “We race in some of the harshest environments on the planet. Of course, safety is super important, but the evidence from our team showed the roll cage was still solid. Even visually, it was clear the safety wasn’t compromised.”

Loeb’s disqualification mirrors that of fellow WRC champion Carlos Sainz, who also withdrew after his M-Sport Ford Raptor failed a similar safety inspection. Both high-profile exits have reignited debates about the FIA’s approach to regulating safety in Dakar’s uniquely punishing conditions.


Loeb’s Dakar Quest Remains Unfulfilled

The disqualification marks another bitter chapter in Loeb’s Dakar journey. Despite his immense success in rallying, Loeb has yet to claim the elusive Dakar title, with three second-place finishes standing as his best results. The 2025 rally was meant to be another shot at glory, but Loeb now joins a growing list of competitors sidelined by the FIA’s strict inspections.

“Nothing was lost yet,” Loeb said, reflecting on the 1-hour, 15-minute deficit he faced before his withdrawal. “There were still opportunities to fight back, but instead, we’re heading home.”


What’s Next for Loeb and the Dakar?

Loeb’s frustration underscores a broader issue for Dakar competitors, as the FIA’s safety standards come under fire for potentially over-regulating in a sport defined by its extreme nature. Teams and organizers may need to address these concerns to ensure that technical rulings do not overshadow the spirit of endurance and resilience that defines the Dakar Rally.

For Loeb, the focus will shift to 2026, as he once again chases the title that has eluded him throughout his storied career. For now, the Dakar’s toughest competitor remains the rulebook.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Ferrari’s Fate Hangs in Balance: Mugello Test to Revolutionize F1 Season
Motorsports

Ferrari’s Fate Hangs in Balance: Mugello Test to Revolutionize F1 Season

Formula One F1 - British Grand Prix - Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain - July 5, 2025 Ferrari's Charles Leclerc during...

by Harry Stone
July 15, 2025
Ferrari Boss Fred Vasseur Under Immense Pressure; Ex-Red Bull Principal’s Support Revealed
Motorsports

Ferrari Boss Fred Vasseur Under Immense Pressure; Ex-Red Bull Principal’s Support Revealed

Formula One F1 - Emilia Romagna Grand Prix - Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola, Italy - May 15, 2025...

by Virgilio Machado
July 15, 2025
Denny Hamlin’s Explosive Revelation Amid 23XI-FRM’s Legal Battle with NASCAR
Motorsports

Denny Hamlin’s Explosive Revelation Amid 23XI-FRM’s Legal Battle with NASCAR

Mark J. Rebilas

by James Taylor
July 15, 2025
Alex Palou Aims for History: Can He Break IndyCar Win Record in 2025?
IndyCar

Alex Palou Aims for History: Can He Break IndyCar Win Record in 2025?

Alex Palou, the rising star of the IndyCar Series, is on the brink of making history in the 2025 season....

by Carl Harrison
July 15, 2025

Recent News

Lucros da Mercedes-Benz recuam 24,6% no primeiro trimestre

Mercedes-Benz expands collaboration with Microsoft.

July 16, 2025
Toyota bZ3X com mais de 10.000 entregas em menos de um mês

Nidec builds electric motor manufactured in China for Toyota.

July 16, 2025
Tesla prepara lançamento de Model 3+ na China

Tesla is preparing to launch the Model 3+ in China.

July 16, 2025
Novo veículo elétrico da Porsche é um barco com 544 cv

Porsche’s new electric car sets a speed record.

July 16, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Enable Notifications OK No thanks