Nine-time World Rally champion Sébastien Loeb is gearing up for yet another shot at conquering the legendary Dakar Rally, starting tomorrow in Saudi Arabia. With five podium finishes but no wins under his belt, Loeb is betting on his new partnership with Dacia Sandriders to deliver the elusive victory.
The rally legend, who transitioned from Bahrain Raid Xtreme to Dacia, has been instrumental in developing the all-new Sandrider T1+ car. Loeb’s confidence stems from his performance in October’s Morocco Rally, where he finished second behind teammate Nasser Al-Attiyah, proving the car’s pace is on par with its rivals.
Pushing Limits, Learning Lessons
“The feeling is good,” Loeb said, reflecting on Morocco’s intense competition. “We didn’t hide anything and pushed 100% as if it were the Dakar. The pace was tight, but it gave us a clear picture of where we stand.”
However, the Morocco rally wasn’t without its challenges. Both Loeb and teammate Cristina Gutiérrez encountered suspension failures, forcing the team to reinforce components like the wishbones. Additionally, high cockpit temperatures posed significant discomfort. Despite these hurdles, Loeb believes the Sandriders are ready for Dakar’s grueling demands.
Consistency Over Speed
Loeb emphasized that winning Dakar requires more than raw speed. Drawing inspiration from his former Citroën teammate Carlos Sainz’s victory last year—achieved without a single stage win—Loeb highlighted the importance of balance and consistency.
“The key is avoiding major problems. Nearly every time, I’ve faced issues—be it with the car, my driving, or co-driving. To win, you need a clean race over two weeks and, honestly, a bit of luck,” Loeb admitted.
Navigating Dakar 2025
The 2025 Dakar Rally promises unique challenges, including a punishing 48-Hour stage on day two and split dune stages without motorbike tracks to guide cars. Loeb acknowledged that road order and punctures will play pivotal roles, making strategy as crucial as speed.
As the Dacia Sandriders debut in one of motorsport’s toughest arenas, Loeb remains cautiously optimistic: “We cannot be 100% confident, but the signs are good. The team has worked hard, and we’re optimistic about what lies ahead.”
Can Sébastien Loeb finally claim Dakar glory, or will the unforgiving desert once again test his resilience? One thing’s for sure—the 2025 Dakar Rally is set to deliver a spectacle.
