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.