Dacia has announced that it has completed the first tests of the preparation program for the Dakar, where the three pairs of drivers had the opportunity to test the Sandrider, equipped with BF Goodrich tires, on rocky and demanding terrain.
Inspired by the Dacia Manifesto concept car, the Sandrider was specifically designed for rally-raids and features a carbon fiber body, designed by Prodrive, focusing on the essentials of motorsport, namely maximum performance, with the highest aerodynamic efficiency and off-road capability.
Cristina Gutiérrez drove the Sandrider for two days of testing in Wales before Sébastien Loeb, a nine-time world rally champion, took over testing and development duties.
The Dakar’s multi-winner, Nasser Al-Attiyah, experienced the power of the Sandrider for the first time at Château de Lastours in France for two days, where Loeb and Cristina Gutiérrez were also present.
During seven days of testing, the drivers and the Dacia team had the opportunity to refine the Sandrider before the first serious test that will take place in Morocco at the opening round of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship from June 28 to July 5.
“In the test at Château de Lastours, I tried the Dacia Sandrider for the first time. I found it easy to drive, fast, and resistant. We did 270 kilometers on the first day and the same on the second day. There were no problems and we really enjoyed driving the car. We are well prepared for the next tests and now I am looking forward to driving in Morocco”, said the driver Nasser Al-Attiyah.
It is worth noting that mechanically, the Dacia’s “weapon” for the Dakar uses a 3.0-liter biturbo V6 engine, with 360 hp of power and a maximum torque of 539 Nm at 4250 rpm, which runs on synthetic fuel and transmits power to all four wheels through a 6-speed sequential gearbox.
