Heading: Dacia Enters the World Rally-Raid Championship and Dakar Rally in 2025
Dacia, the Romanian automaker, has announced its entry into the World Rally-Raid Championship and the Dakar Rally starting in 2025. The company will partner with Prodrive, a British firm with extensive experience in motorsports. The yet-unnamed Dacia prototype will compete in the T1+ category, with renowned WRC legend Sebastian Loeb as the driver. This move marks Dacia’s first involvement in Rally Raids and Dakar, and the company aims to showcase its capabilities in extreme conditions.
Heading: A Prototype Designed for Extreme Conditions
Although Dacia has not revealed specific details about the rally car, it has described it as a “4-wheel drive prototype developed to cope with the most extreme conditions.” It is expected that the styling of the car will draw inspiration from Dacia’s Manifesto concept, which was showcased last year. Additionally, the prototype could serve as a promotional platform for Dacia’s upcoming next-generation Duster and Bigster production SUVs. Dacia plans to test new outdoor functionalities with this rally car, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in terms of performance and durability.
Heading: Eco-Friendly Fuel for Sustainable Racing
Dacia’s entry into the Dakar Rally will also mark a significant step towards sustainability. The company has partnered with Aramco to supply synthetic fuel for the rally car. This fuel is made from renewable hydrogen and captured CO2, making it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuels. By using Dakar as a testing ground for this fuel, Dacia aims to explore its potential for future use in production vehicles. This aligns with Dacia’s commitment to offering a range of fuel options, including petrol, hybrid, bi-fuel (petrol/LPG), and potentially synthetic fuel.
Heading: The Expertise of Prodrive and the Skills of Renault Group
Dacia recognizes the importance of partnering with experienced teams to ensure success in the Rally Raid and Dakar. For its first involvement in these events, Dacia will rely on the skills of Renault Group while teaming up with Prodrive. Prodrive brings 40 years of motorsports experience to the table and has been involved in Rally Raids and Dakar since 2020. This collaboration will combine Dacia’s determination and Renault Group’s expertise with Prodrive’s proven track record in motorsports.
Heading: The Drivers: Sebastian Loeb and Cristina Gutiérrez Herrero
Dacia has assembled a formidable team of drivers for its Dakar entry. Sebastian Loeb, a 9-time WRC champion, will be behind the wheel of the Dacia prototype. Loeb is no stranger to Dakar, having competed with Peugeot from 2016 to 2019 and with Prodrive from 2021 to 2023. His best result so far is a second-place finish overall in 2017, 2022, and 2023, narrowly missing out on the title. Joining Loeb is Cristina Gutiérrez Herrero, an all-terrain rally champion from Spain. Gutiérrez Herrero has participated in every Dakar Rally since 2017, becoming the first female driver to complete the race.
Heading: Testing Phase and Serious Contenders for the Rally
The testing phase for Dacia’s Dakar prototypes will begin in 2024 at the Rallye du Maroc. Dacia CEO Denis Le Vot expressed confidence in the team and drivers, stating that they have “the best team and drivers in the game.” With the combined expertise of Renault Group, Prodrive, and the skillful drivers behind the wheel, Dacia aims to be a serious contender in the Rally Raid and Dakar events.
In conclusion, Dacia’s entry into the World Rally-Raid Championship and the Dakar Rally in 2025 marks an exciting new chapter for the Romanian automaker. With a prototype designed to tackle extreme conditions, a focus on eco-friendly fuel, and a team of experienced drivers, Dacia is poised to make a strong impression in the world of motorsports. The collaboration with Prodrive and the support of Renault Group further solidify Dacia’s commitment to success in Rally Raids and Dakar. As the testing phase approaches, all eyes will be on Dacia as they prepare to showcase their capabilities on the global stage.