P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Dacia unveils its revolutionary car for 2025 Dakar Rally
The Dacia Sandrider, a prototype developed in collaboration with Prodrive, was officially introduced at a presentation in Paris by programme director Denis Le Vot. Dacia’s three factory drivers for the upcoming season are five-time Dakar winner Nasser Al-Attiyah, World Rally legend Sebastien Loeb, and Cristina Gutierrez. Dacia will now compete in the entire season of the World Rally-Raid Championship, rather than just focusing on Dakar. The Sandrider retains the characteristics of the Prodrive-built Hunter but features a new three-liter turbocharged V6 engine powered by synthetic fuel. Prodrive has helped Dacia achieve an ideal weight balance and introduce innovative systems, including a patented thermal management system. Dacia plans to launch the Sandrider in the UK in April, with tests scheduled to take place in Morocco in June. The car will compete in the Morocco Rally in October to prepare for the 2025 Dakar Rally. Dacia has committed to competing in Dakar until at least 2027. The Sandrider has undergone improvements to enhance reliability, such as a four-wheel drive package, modifications to the gearbox, and enhanced brakes for improved comfort and reduced physical effort. Tiphanie Isnard will serve as the team manager, bringing her experience working with Loeb and victories in Dakar with Stephane Peterhansel. Philip Dunabin, an experienced professional in technical aspects of this type of event, will be the technical director.
