All posts tagged: Dakar

Dakar Rally 2026: Sanjay Takale’s campaign ends with mechanical failure

Dakar Rally 2026: Sanjay Takale’s campaign ends with mechanical failure

Published by Webster

Indian rally driver Sanjay Takale has withdrawn from the Dakar Rally 2026, officially ending his participation in the Dakar Classic category after a major mechanical issue forced an early halt. Takale, competing alongside Maxime Raud of France, retired following an engine-related failure encountered upon arrival at the bivouac after Stage 3. The issue could not be resolved, bringing their run in the event to an end. The withdrawal came at a particularly unfortunate stage as Takale was leading the H3 class (P1) at the time. He had delivered an exceptional performance in the opening stages, topping the Prologue and maintaining class leadership through Stages 1, 2, and 3. Speaking after the withdrawal, Takale said, “This is a very tough way to end our Dakar. We were in a strong position and leading the H3 class, but unfortunately the engine issue meant we could not continue. That’s the nature of Dakar, sometimes it tests the machine more than the driver. I’m happy of the way we performed in the opening stages and grateful to the entire …

Sanjay Takale, becomes first Indian to complete Dakar rally

Sanjay Takale, becomes first Indian to complete Dakar rally

Published by Webster

Sanjay Takale has become the first Indian to complete the grueling Dakar Rally in a four-wheel automobile on Friday. He drove a Toyota Land Cruiser HZJ78 in the Dakar Classic this year. The Dakar Classic pans over 8,000 km, including 5,000 km of 12 special stages and is considered one of the worlds most unforgiving automobile rallies. The 56-year-old Takale finished the two-week course at the 18th position overall along with France’s Maxime Raud. Sanjay Takale becomes the first Indian driver to take part (and to finish!) the Dakar Rally with Maxime Raud at his side! Congratulations guys, you are entering in the history of the Dakar👏#FIA #Dakar pic.twitter.com/3yGHSiMLtb — FIA (@fia) January 17, 2025 A distinguished career When the race began, the veteran had made the news for attaining the distinction of becoming the first-ever Indian to compete in the four-wheel section at the Dakar Classic. Takale had started his career in motorsports back in 1987. He drove two wheelers until 2001 and then bid adieu to the segment after winning the bike National …

Sanjay Takale becomes the first Indian to race in the cars category of Dakar Classic

Sanjay Takale becomes the first Indian to race in the cars category of Dakar Classic

Published by Webster

Indian motorsport veteran Sanjay Takale has made history by becoming the first Indian to participate in the four-wheeler category of the prestigious Dakar Classic, a part of the iconic Dakar Rally. The 2025 Dakar Rally began on January 3 in Saudi Arabia, and the Pune-based racer has already completed the first stage of this grueling 14-day event. Racing a Toyota Land Cruiser HZJ78 with French co-driver Maxime Raud, Takale represents India among 94 cars competing in the Dakar Classic. The first stage, covering 150 kilometers, tested competitors with shifting dunes and challenging desert navigation. Takale successfully finished the stage, gaining valuable experience in the race that is known for pushing drivers and their machines to the limit. The Dakar Classic, running alongside the main Dakar Rally, is a tribute to vintage cars and provides a unique platform for experienced racers and rookies alike. Takale’s car, numbered 722, is the sole Indian entry in the event. Harith Noah and Jatin Jain are the other Indians competing in the Daker Classic. The 47th edition of the rally …

Carlos Sainz chasing fifth Dakar Rally title, this time with a new manufacturer

Carlos Sainz chasing fifth Dakar Rally title, this time with a new manufacturer

Published by Webster

Carlos Sainz is hoping to set a record as the Dakar Rally’s oldest champion while also becoming the first racer to win with five different car manufacturers in the two-week marathon, which begins this weekend in Saudi Arabia. Carlos Sainz Sr. made his Dakar debut in 2006, two years after Nasser Al Attiyah. He was the first of the two to be named to the roll of honour in 2010, but the Qatari champion eventually surpassed him and now has five trophies on his shelf. After winning his fourth race in a hybrid Audi last year, ‘El Matador’ is catching up and hopes to level the race with the Ford Raptor that he will drive for the M-Sport team. The Dakar Rally originated in 1978 as a race from Paris across the Sahara to Senegal’s capital, but was moved to South America in 2009 due to security concerns. It relocated to Saudi Arabia in 2020 and has since been the FIA World Rally Raid Championship’s flagship. His 18-year-long adversary Nasser Al Attiyah is in a …

Carles Falcon, 45, Dies After Crash In Dakar Rally

Published by Webster

Spanish motorcyclist Carles Falcon has died from the serious injuries he suffered last week on the second stage of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, his team said Monday. “On Monday, January 15, Carles passed away. The medical team has confirmed that the neurological damage caused by the cardio-respiratory arrest at the time of the accident is irreversible,” the TwinTrail Racing Team said in a statement. “Carles was a smiley person, always active, who enjoyed with passion everythign he did, especially motorcycles. He left us doing something that was his dream, racing the Dakar,” it added. The high-speed stage over jagged rocks and winding sand dunes in the Saudi desert was almost complete on January 7 when the experienced off-road rider from Tarragona crashed. The 45-year-old was immediately  taken to hospital in Saudi Arabia in a medical helicopter, and later flown back to Spain where he had been in intensive care. Twin Trail Racing said at the time that Falcon, a computer engineer by training, had suffered a fracture of his vertebrae. The …