Dacia Sandriders Score Unprecedented Win at 2026 Dakar Rally Marking History

The Dakar Rally is the ultimate proving ground for rallying, pitting man and machine against some of the toughest terrains on the planet. Up to 2026, the event has scaled eminence by serving as a ground of intense, exciting competition that showcases the skill, endurance, and resilience of the best in the sport.

2026’s competition was even more electrifying, distinguished by close races and astounding outcomes. Among the highlights was the unprecedented victory by Dacia, marking its first win in the fierce competition. Represented by the formidable duo of Nasser Al-Attiyah and Fabian Lurquin, the Dacia Sandriders team triumphed amidst the clamour of the competition, making history in the process.

Benavides’ win, achieved after 49 hours and almost 8,000 kilometres of intense competition, was made even more legendary by the narrowest of margins - it saw him clinching the win by a mere two seconds. This set a new record for the closest finish in any class in Dakar history, raising the bar for future competitors. The rally’s intense competition, surprising wildcard victories, and record-breaking performances continue to solidify its status as a legendary sporting event earning a place in the annals of rallying history.