In an exhilarating finale to the 2025 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, the Dacia Sandriders have clinched their second FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) victory, further solidifying their presence in the elite ranks of the motorsport world. Nasser Al-Attiyah and Édouard Boulanger emerged triumphant after a nail-biting 167-kilometre final stage, securing a well-earned victory by 2 minutes and 28 seconds.
With a slender 41-second advantage heading into the final stretch, Al-Attiyah and Boulanger knew they would have to deliver their absolute best to maintain their lead. The unforgiving terrain of Mezeer’ah, with its towering dunes and challenging sands, tested their resolve, but the sustainable-fuelled Dacia Sandrider performed flawlessly. Pushing hard and expertly navigating the desert, the duo clinched their second-fastest stage time of the event, capping off a perfect end to a demanding rally.
This victory marks a significant milestone for The Dacia Sandriders, following their historic debut win at Rallye du Maroc last October. It is also a momentous achievement for Al-Attiyah, who has now claimed his fifth Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge victory, a remarkable feat. For Boulanger, this marks his third win in the event, further cementing his reputation as one of the sport’s most talented navigators.
The result propels Al-Attiyah to the top of the provisional W2RC Drivers’ standings, while Boulanger leads the Navigators’ points after two rounds. The team’s performance also catapults them into second place in the Manufacturers’ Championship, signaling a bright future for Dacia in the world of rally-raid racing.
A Thrilling Ride for The Dacia Sandriders
The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge was a showcase of grit, determination, and high-speed action, with The Dacia Sandriders taking centre stage. The team’s strong performance extended beyond just Al-Attiyah and Boulanger, as Sébastien Loeb and Fabian Lurquin also delivered an exceptional effort. Loeb and Lurquin, who had been in the hunt for a podium finish, were forced to retire from the rally due to an unfortunate roll on Stage 4. Despite this, their performance in the early stages—second-fastest on Stage 1 and fastest on Stage 2—was a testament to their skill and tenacity.
Loeb and Lurquin’s exit came just 41 kilometres into Stage 4, leaving them with no choice but to retire after an FIA technical inspection revealed damage to the roll cage in their Dacia Sandrider. It was a disappointing end for the duo, who had hoped to finish the event on a high. Nevertheless, their strong performance in the opening stages highlighted their competitive spirit.
Words of Gratitude and Pride
Reflecting on the triumph, Tiphanie Isnard, Team Principal of The Dacia Sandriders, expressed immense pride in her team’s performance. “I’m really proud of what Nasser and Édouard have achieved because they had to push until the very end,” she said. “We’ve had some tough days between Dakar and Abu Dhabi to be ready and be on battle again, so it’s a big thanks to the team. We’re really happy with the result and we’re now leading the championship for the driver and navigator, and provisionally we have taken second place in the Manufacturers’ championship. So it’s definitely great.”
Al-Attiyah, the victorious driver, spoke of the challenge and the support of his team: “It’s a really good feeling, and I’m very happy to win the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. It was a big push from us this week, and thanks to The Dacia Sandriders. We were coming here to win the race and lead the championship to make it easier for the next race. We have a really good car, and the team is very strong. I feel sorry for Seb for what happened yesterday, but we did a very good job over the last few days.”
Navigator Édouard Boulanger echoed Al-Attiyah’s sentiments, reflecting on the intensity of the competition: “The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is always a special race for us. It was a tough battle until the last kilometres, and we were not managing any lead. It was intense but we’re really happy to complete it on a positive note for The Dacia Sandriders and for us.”
Looking Ahead: The Road to the South African Safari Rally
As the 2025 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship moves forward, the Dacia Sandriders find themselves in a commanding position. The team’s stellar performance in Abu Dhabi has set the tone for the rest of the season. The next challenge lies in the South African Safari Rally, which will take place from 18–24 May. This event, a fresh addition to the W2RC calendar, promises to be another thrilling chapter in the season as the Sandriders aim to extend their lead in both the Drivers’ and Navigators’ standings.
With a championship-leading performance and an unwavering spirit, The Dacia Sandriders are ready to continue their dominance in the world of rally-raid racing. Fans can expect more high-octane action and exceptional performances as the season unfolds.
