After a series of electrifying stage-winning performances at the Dakar Rally, the Dacia Sandriders are shifting their focus to the next frontier: the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. Set against the backdrop of breathtaking sand dunes and relentless desert terrain, the six-day event—taking place from 22 to 27 February 2025—promises to be as demanding as it is inspiring.
From Dakar Triumphs to Desert Dreams
Fresh off their heroic exploits in Dakar, where the Sandriders clocked four top-10 stage times, the team is poised to convert hard-won momentum into championship points. This second round of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) sees the team fielding their sustainably fuelled Dacia Sandrider with two star pairings:
- Nasser Al-Attiyah / Édouard Boulanger
Al-Attiyah, a four-time Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge winner—including his latest triumph in 2024—is eager to defend his turf. “The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is my favourite rally,” he explains, emphasizing his readiness to fight for the world championship title alongside his co-driver. - Sébastien Loeb / Fabian Lurquin
Loeb, fresh from an unexpected early exit at Dakar, is determined to make his mark on the dunes. “I’m really happy to be back in the car after a frustrating Dakar,” he admits. “Abu Dhabi’s unique landscape of expansive sand and towering dunes is where I thrive, and I’m looking forward to pushing my limits.”
While these duos take centre stage, rally enthusiasts can also look forward to seeing Cristina Gutiérrez and Pablo Moreno resume their W2RC campaign later in the season—a testament to the depth of talent behind the Dacia banner.
Intense Preparation, Unyielding Resolve
Team Principal Tiphanie Isnard sums up the spirit and grit of the squad:
“The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is like a continuation of the Dakar because we finished that event in the Empty Quarter, and we are starting round two of the W2RC in the Empty Quarter. There has been very little time between the team’s return from the Dakar and to be ready to start the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, but they’ve done a great job to be ready in what have been intense conditions. They’ve remained focused despite a heavy workload and the fatigue they experienced working on an event as physically and mentally difficult as the Dakar.”
Drawing on invaluable lessons learned on the grueling Dakar routes, the crew has meticulously debriefed and refined their strategies. “We’re intent on capitalising on everything we achieved and learned on the Dakar,” Isnard adds, underscoring the team’s commitment to continuous improvement and championship success.
A Marathon of Sand and Strategy
The challenge ahead is as formidable as it is intricate. The event kicks off with a 72-kilometre Prologue stage in Al Ain on 22 February, setting the tone for the rigorous days that follow. Over the next five competitive stages, drivers will tackle:
- Stage 2: A demanding 302-kilometre loop from Al Ain to Mezeer’ah on 24 February.
- Stage 3: The inaugural Marathon Stage begins with a 388-kilometre segment that tests both endurance and mechanical acumen. Regulations require crews to service their vehicles independently, adding a unique tactical twist.
- Stage 4: A further 394-kilometre journey from the Marathon Camp back to Mezeer’ah on 26 February.
- Stage 5: The final 364-kilometre sprint from Mezeer’ah to Abu Dhabi on 27 February.
In total, excluding the Prologue, competitors will cover 1,175 timed kilometres—pushing the limits of man, machine, and strategy. Overall, the event spans an astounding 1,920 kilometres, solidifying its status as a true test of endurance and ingenuity.
Eyes on the Championship
For the Dacia Sandriders, every dune conquered and every second shaved off the clock brings them closer to their ultimate goal: clinching the world championship. With the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge nestled just a month after the season opener in the Empty Quarter—strategically designed to reduce logistics and transportation costs—the team is not only battling nature but also capitalizing on smart, sustainable racing practices.
As the engines roar to life and the desert beckons, one thing is clear: the Dacia Sandriders are ready to etch their legacy in the sands of Abu Dhabi. With unrivalled determination, innovative technology, and an unwavering team spirit, the stage is set for another epic chapter in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship.
Buckle up—this desert duel is about to begin.
