The Renault Group’s brand is competing at the Marocco Rally in preparation of the Dakar Rally that will kick off on January 3 in Saudi Arabia, Three Dacia Sandriders competed in the Rally with Nasser Al-Attiyah, Sebastien Loeb, and Cristina Gutierrez. The goal of the team, led by Tiphanie Isnard, is to gain experience.

Marrakesh – The atmosphere is buzzing with Dakar spirit at the Morocco Rally, the final round of the 2R Rally Raid World Championship, but more importantly, the ultimate test in preparation for the Dakar.

Organized by David Castera, the Dakar director, the 2024 edition registered a record of 300 vehicles at the start and 36 nations represented. Among the car battle, there was a lot of expectations for the debut of the Dacia Project.

We spoke with Technical Director Philip Dunabin about the key stages of vehicle development. “The project began at the start of last year. In the initial phase, collaboration with Dacia’s design department was crucial to develop a rally raid competition vehicle that reflects the brand’s values while being unique.” The model they drew inspiration from is the Manifesto.

Robust yet vibrant in color, the Dacia Sandriders debuting in January at Dakar is aimed at a younger audience. “We are pleased with the final result and the spirit of the vehicle, as well as the entire team, which includes a female team manager and three exceptional crews.” Morocco represents the final step of an intense development program that has seen the team testing in England, southern France, and Morocco.

“In Morocco, we tested both in spring and in August under scorching temperatures to truly challenge the vehicle, but it’s only with the Morocco Rally that we can really measure our performance against our opponents,” the engineer admits.

Regarding expectations, enthusiasm and caution go hand in hand, especially since behind the wheel of the Dacia Sandriders will be Nasser Al-Attiyah, who has four Dakar victories with three different manufacturers (Volkswagen, Mini, and Toyota), alongside Eduard Boulanger, who was last year’s co-driver for Mr. Dakar, Stephane Peterhansel. The nine-time rally champion Sebastien Loeb will be paired with Fabian Lurquin, while Cristina Gutierrez will race with Pablo Moreno.

“Before you can run, you need to learn to walk,” recalls team principal Tiphanie Isnard, emphasizing a low-profile attitude from the team. “The Morocco Rally is a decisive test because the Dacia Sandriders will face 2,468 km (of which 1,512 are special stages) over terrains with sand dunes, rocky ground, rough roads, and intense heat. It’s real preparation for Dakar.”

It is certain that the drivers will want to perform well, starting with Nasser, who has triumphed here six times. “It’s a new challenge; it’s a young project, which makes it even more exciting. I like the vehicle, which is equipped with innovative technical solutions such as seats that provide protection in the event of a vertical impact.”

Photos: Dacia