Carlos Sainz Sr., the 62-year-old rally legend and defending Dakar champion, is back with a vengeance, teaming up with Ford for a bold new chapter in his storied career. The Spaniard, who has won the Dakar Rally with iconic brands like Volkswagen, Peugeot, and Mini, is setting his sights on conquering the 2025 edition, navigating the unforgiving desert terrain with grit and determination.
Speaking about his latest challenge, Sainz acknowledged the steep learning curve that comes with a new car:
“The last Dakar victory was historic, but it’s in the past. Now, I’m focused on the next edition. The Dakar is demanding, and no matter how much testing you do, a new project always comes with its challenges.”
A Marathon Test of Endurance
This year’s grueling 8,000km route stretches from Bisha in Saudi Arabia’s southwest to the finish line in Shubaytah’s desolate Empty Quarter. Competitors will tackle a punishing marathon stage early on, including a colossal 971km Chrono stage requiring overnight stays in basic desert bivouacs—without team support.
Sainz, partnered with co-driver Lucas Cruz, emphasized the importance of navigating this stage carefully:
“It’s crucial to get everything right, especially with a new car. The marathon stage will test us to the limit.”
Rivals Ready to Strike
Sainz isn’t the only one eyeing the ultimate prize. Qatar’s Nasser Al-Attiyah, a five-time winner and two-time Saudi champion, has joined forces with rally legend Sebastien Loeb in the debuting Dacia Sandriders team. Both are laser-focused on taking the crown, with Al-Attiyah cautioning:
“The Dakar demands clever strategy and unwavering focus. You have to expect the unexpected every single day.”
Female Trailblazers and New Challenges
This year also highlights a strong female presence, with Saudi Arabia’s Dania Akeel and American Sara Price leading the charge. Meanwhile, two-time motorcycle winner Toby Price is making his four-wheel debut, joined by Sam Sunderland as a co-driver.
The Dakar Legacy
From its Paris-to-Dakar origins to the deserts of Saudi Arabia, the Dakar Rally has evolved into the FIA’s flagship world rally-raid championship. Its legacy of unpredictability and endurance continues to captivate fans and push competitors to their limits.
With veterans like Sainz, rising stars, and fierce rivalries, the 2025 Dakar Rally promises to be a battle for the ages. Can Sainz add another victory to his legendary résumé, or will new contenders snatch the crown? The dunes await the answer.
