The Dakar Rally 2025: A New Chapter in the Desert
The roar of engines will soon echo across the Saudi Arabian desert as the 47th edition of the Dakar Rally kicks off on January 2nd. This grueling motorsport event,spanning almost 8,000 kilometers,promises a thrilling spectacle for fans worldwide.
This year’s Dakar is set to be particularly intense, with a challenging first week designed to test even the most seasoned competitors. Over 500 crews will battle it out across five main vehicle categories: motorcycles, cars, Challenger prototypes, SSV quadricycles, and trucks.
The Race for Glory: Cars and Motorcycles
All eyes will be on Carlos Sainz Sr., the reigning champion, as he aims to secure his fifth Dakar victory, matching the record held by Nasser Al-Attiyah. Driving the new Ford Raptor, Sainz faces stiff competition from fellow Ford drivers Nani Roma, Mattias ekstroem, and rising star Mitch Guthrie.The motorcycle category sees a shakeup with former champions Toby Price and sam Sunderland switching to cars, sharing a Toyota Hilux. This leaves the door open for reigning champion Ricky Brabec on Honda and two-time winner Kevin Benavides on KTM to claim victory.
Ross Branch, fresh off his World rally Raid Championship win and a strong second-place finish in the 2024 Dakar, is a serious contender. chilean rider José Ignacio Cornejo Florimo, known for his speed, will also be looking to capitalize on any opportunities.
Nine Italian riders will be vying for glory on two wheels, including Paolo Lucci, Tommaso Montanari, Lorenzo Maestrami, Cesare Zacchetti, Andrea Winkler, Manuel Lucchese, Tiziano Internò, iader Giraldi, and Ottavio Missoni.
The Italian Invasion: Trucks and Light Vehicles
The truck category promises an exciting battle with a strong Italian presence. The Iveco Powerstars, fresh off thier 2024 victory with Czech driver Martin Macik, are the team to beat.
adding to the excitement is the debut of former MotoGP rider Danilo Petrucci, who will be co-piloting the MM Technology Iveco sponsored by Italtrans alongside Claudio Bellina and navigator Marco Arnoletti. Two other Italian crews, Paolo Calabria-Giuseppe Fortuna-Loris Calubini in a Man truck and Giulio Verzeletti-Antonio Cabini-Carlo Cabini in an Iveco, will also be aiming for podium finishes.
The Challenger and SSV categories will also see fierce competition, with Giampaolo Bedin-Alberto marcon representing Italy in the challenger class. In the SSV category, four Italian crews will be battling it out: Enrico Gaspari-Fausto Mota, Michele Cinotto-Alberto Bertoldi, Pietro Cinotto-Martino Albertini, and Stefano Marrini-Matteo Lardori.
The 2025 Dakar Rally promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with intense competition, unexpected twists, and unforgettable moments. as the dust settles on the Saudi Arabian desert, one thing is certain: history will be made.
exciting times are upon us, folks! As the engines rev and the anticipation builds, we stand on the precipice of a new chapter in one of motorsport’s greatest spectacles – the Dakar Rally 2025.
I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the raw grit and determination of dakar competitors for years, and let me tell you, this year promises to be something truly special. We’ve got a course primed to test the limits of both man and machine, a field of contenders packed with talent and ambition, and the undeniable magic of the desert itself as a backdrop.
Now, we all know the Dakar is more than just a race – it’s a testament to human endurance, a battle against the elements, and a party of the unwavering spirit of adventure. This year, I expect to see some nail-biting moments, daring overtakes, and acts of sportsmanship that will leave us breathless.
Let the good times roll! Get ready to witness history in the making as the Dakar Rally 2025 unfolds before our eyes.
