Dacia has announced its participation in the World Rally-Raid Championship, including the prestigious Dakar Rally, as a manufacturer in the T1+ category starting in 2025.
The Dakar Rally, known for its challenging terrain and extreme conditions, attracts participants from all over the world. For the development of their entries, Dacia will utilize their in-house technical expertise and collaborate with Prodrive, a prominent British motorsport and engineering group with a strong reputation in the industry.
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The driver lineup for Dacia’s team will feature Sébastien Loeb, a nine-time French rally world champion, and Cristina Gutierrez Herrero, an accomplished Spanish rally driver who has previously completed the Dakar Rally in the car category.
Dacia’s race car entry for the Dakar Rally will be powered by synthetic test fuel supplied by Aramco, a global leader in the energy and chemicals sector. Aramco’s synthetic fuel solutions are produced by combining renewable hydrogen with captured CO2, resulting in a lower-carbon fuel compatible with existing engines.
Before the official participation in the 2025 season, Dacia’s prototypes will undergo testing, including their involvement in the Rallye du Maroc in 2024. This testing phase will allow the team to refine their vehicles and explore innovative solutions that align with Dacia’s focus on durability and energy efficiency.
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Dacia’s entry into the World Rally-Raid Championship and the Dakar Rally represents a significant milestone for the brand. The collaboration with Prodrive, the selection of experienced drivers, and the use of synthetic test fuel provided by Aramco demonstrate Dacia’s commitment to competing in the rally-raid circuit and exploring sustainable mobility solutions. Dacia aims to test and showcase their capabilities in demanding conditions while also highlighting the potential of synthetic fuels in reducing carbon emissions.
As the anticipation builds for the 2025 season, motorsport enthusiasts will be eagerly awaiting Dacia’s debut in the World Rally-Raid Championship and their performance in the challenging Dakar Rally.
