In a powerful statement of intent, The Dacia Sandriders have confirmed the contract extensions of Spanish duo Cristina Gutiérrez and Pablo Moreno through to the 2027 Dakar Rally. The announcement cements the team’s trust in the talented pairing, who have played a pivotal role in the squad’s recent rally-raid successes, both on the stages and behind the scenes.
The agreement covers the 2026 and 2027 editions of the Dakar Rally and at least two rounds of the 2026 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), including the renowned Rallye du Maroc. It marks a continuation of an evolving partnership that has flourished both in terms of results and in team culture.
Team principal Tiphanie Isnard spoke warmly of the pair’s impact:
“It’s the logical and natural continuity of the work they have done in the races and in development. As a crew, they are performing very well and always inspire the team because they never give up and always work so hard. They have performed an important role in building team spirit with other crews and the entire team.”
That fighting spirit was on full display during the 2025 Dakar Rally, where Gutiérrez and Moreno showcased not only their pace – with four top-ten stage finishes, including fifth on Stage 1 – but also their grit and generosity. After an early challenge on Stage 2, they pivoted from personal ambitions to full-throttle teamwork, repeatedly supporting teammates Nasser Al-Attiyah, Sébastien Loeb, and others through mechanical and logistical setbacks.
One defining moment came during Stage 4. When Al-Attiyah and Boulanger’s Dacia Sandrider suffered a suspension failure, it was Gutiérrez and Moreno who stepped in to help. Their support continued into the overnight halt in AlUla, where Moreno – a qualified mechanic – played a key role in a gearbox swap with the T5 crew under strict Marathon Stage conditions, which restrict outside assistance.
Cristina Gutiérrez, whose Dakar resume continues to grow in stature, called the extension “one of the biggest moments” of her career.
“To have the possibility to continue with The Dacia Sandriders gives a really good feeling because the team gives us a lot of confidence to develop and improve. We are super happy to be part of a team that includes two legends of the sport, Nasser Al-Attiyah and Sébastien Loeb. We want to make history with Dacia by helping the team to achieve the dream of winning the Dakar. It’s also our dream.”
For Moreno, the renewal is as much personal as professional:
“It’s super news for us to be able to continue the adventure with The Dacia Sandriders, a team that feels like a family. For sure, our goal is to win the Dakar Rally with The Dacia Sandriders. We will give our very best to try reach that goal.”
The duo’s performances this season have underlined their potential. Most recently, they helped secure The Dacia Sandriders’ third W2RC podium in four outings with a stellar showing at the South African Safari Rally – their second of the current season.
Next on their calendar is the BP Ultimate Rally Raid Portugal, the fourth round of the 2025 W2RC, scheduled for 22–28 September. Carrying car number 212, Gutiérrez and Moreno will once again aim to combine pace, precision, and perseverance in their signature Sandrider style.
With the extension now official, The Dacia Sandriders’ vision for the future is clearer than ever: chase victories, cultivate team unity, and ultimately conquer Dakar. And at the heart of that mission, Cristina Gutiérrez and Pablo Moreno remain two of its most vital assets.
