The Dacia Sandriders team has completed the initial testing phase for their debut in the 2025 Dakar, a challenge in motorsport. The tests began at the Millbrook Proving Ground, UK, followed by four days at the Sweet Lamb test complex in Wales, from May 6 to 9. Then, they moved to Château de Lastours, France, from May 27 to 31, where the three crews tested the Sandrider equipped with BF Goodrich tires on rocky and demanding terrain.
Cristina Gutiérrez drove the Sandrider for two days in Wales before Sébastien Loeb, nine-time world rally champion, took over the testing and development tasks. At Château de Lastours, Nasser Al-Attiyah, multiple Dakar winner, experienced the power of the Sandrider for the first time during two days. Loeb returned for a day and a half of testing, while Gutiérrez completed the last afternoon.
Tiphanie Isnard, director of the Dacia Sandriders team, confirmed that the initial tests exceeded expectations with few issues for Al-Attiyah, Gutiérrez, and Loeb, as well as for the team’s engineers and technicians. Currently, intensive work is being done for the first comprehensive test in Morocco from June 28 to July 5. There, the Sandrider will be tested on terrain similar to that of the Dakar, which will be the first round of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship in Saudi Arabia from January 3 to 17, 2025.
Statements from Drivers and Technical Team:
Nasser Al-Attiyah:
"The tests at Château de Lastours were my first contact with the Dacia Sandrider. It was easy to handle, fast, and robust. We covered 270 kilometers each day without problems and enjoyed it a lot. We are on the right track for the upcoming tests, and I am looking forward to getting to Morocco."
Cristina Gutiérrez:
"Seeing the Dacia Sandrider in action and covering my first kilometers in the car has been incredible. I feel very comfortable, adapting to a new type of car and category. There are still many important testing days ahead, but we are very happy with the team's work."
Sébastien Loeb:
"The tests went very well. We worked on the suspension and differential to find a good balance, and I am very pleased with the results. The engine worked well from the start, and we had no issues with the car. Based on the experience with a new car, everything looks very good, and I look forward to continuing the tests in Morocco."
Philip Dunabin, Technical Director:
"We have completed a series of initial tests before our first test in a real rally-raid environment in Morocco. So far, everything has gone surprisingly well without serious issues. We have signed off on all the basic engine matters, worked more than expected on the suspension setup, and reviewed the transmission settings. Now we are working on the details to get the car ready for a rally."
The team is working at full capacity preparing everything for Morocco, where the preparations for the Dakar will continue.
