The Dacia Sandriders are gearing up for an ambitious 2026 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship campaign, bolstering their ranks with two proven talents.
The team has confirmed the addition of Brazilian driver Lucas Moraes and German navigator Dennis Zenz, taking the Dacia Sandriders’ attack to a four-car line-up. This expansion underscores the team’s determination to compete at the very top of rally-raid motorsport.
Moraes, 35, made an impressive Dakar Rally debut in 2023, finishing on the podium, and went on to secure third place in the W2RC standings the following season. A three-time Brazilian champion, Moraes recently claimed his maiden W2RC victory at Rally-Raid Portugal and arrives at Rallye du Maroc as a serious title contender.
Navigator Dennis Zenz, also 35, boasts an equally impressive resume. He guided Seth Quintero to runner-up in class at the 2023 Dakar Rally and followed that with outright podiums at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in 2024 and 2025. Together, Moraes and Zenz bring proven experience, speed, and strategic expertise to the Dacia Sandriders.
The 2026 line-up will also feature established stars: Cristina Gutiérrez and Pablo Moreno (Spain), Nasser Al-Attiyah and Fabian Lurquin (Qatar/Belgium), and Sébastien Loeb and Édouard Boulanger (France). This four-car strategy aligns Dacia with the top manufacturers, allowing them to compete on equal footing in a championship where seconds often decide the outcome.
Tiphanie Isnard, Team Principal of The Dacia Sandriders, explained the move:
“Rally-Raid has evolved significantly, with victories increasingly determined by mere seconds thanks to the FIA’s Balance of Performance system. To compete at the front, it was essential to field a four-car structure. Lucas and Dennis are not only top performers but also perfect fits for our team dynamic, which is the core of our strength.”
Frank Marotte, Dacia VP Sales, Marketing and Operations, added:
“Winning the Dakar Rally in 2026 is part of our long-term vision. Lucas and Dennis embody Dacia’s spirit: outdoor-oriented, focused, and driven. Their attitude perfectly reflects our brand values and the team’s mindset.”
Both new recruits are equally enthusiastic about their roles. Lucas Moraes said:
“I’m incredibly proud to join The Dacia Sandriders. This is a thrilling new chapter in my career, and I’m motivated to achieve great results with this ambitious team.”
Dennis Zenz echoed the excitement:
“Joining Lucas and the Dacia Sandriders is an incredible opportunity. With four competitive crews, our goal is not just to win the Dakar Rally but to challenge for the driver, navigator, and manufacturer titles in 2026. The energy within this project is phenomenal, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
The 2026 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship calendar promises a thrilling season:
- 3–17 January: Dakar Rally (Saudi Arabia)
- 17–22 March: Rally-Raid Portugal (Portugal)
- 24–29 May: Desafio Ruta 40 (Argentina)
- 28 September–3 October: Rallye du Maroc (Morocco)
- 22–27 November: Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (UAE)
With the new four-car line-up, The Dacia Sandriders are positioning themselves for a landmark season, ready to challenge the world’s best in motorsport’s ultimate test of endurance, skill, and teamwork.
