Prodrive is actively courting manufacturers to field a Dakar entry in 2027 following Dacia’s announced exit at the end of the current season.
Prodrive’s search for a new partner
After Nasser Al‑Attiyah lifted the 48th Dakar trophy for Dacia in January, the Renault Group announced the brand would withdraw from cross‑country rallying, curtailing a planned three‑year programme. Prodrive, which has run Dacia’s factory squad since its inception, was notified several months in advance and is now negotiating with two to three potential backers. According to boss David Richards, talks with Jaguar Land Rover continue for the Defender programme, a long‑term commitment that will persist for many years. Richards said a suitable replacement for Dacia in the short and long term would be identified by the end of summer, with a definitive announcement expected by year‑end.
Sandrider platform ready for any brand
To prepare Dacia’s 2025 entry, Prodrive extensively rebuilt the Hunter used by Bahrain Raid Xtreme, essentially creating a new prototype. Richards explained that the existing Sandrider can be “modified according to a manufacturer’s requirement,” shrinking the lead time for a new entrant. He added that the car’s design follows a “formula” approach; the bodywork will change to reflect a brand’s identity, but the chassis and components remain the same. Despite the platform’s maturity, Richards noted the vehicle operates close to a regulatory performance ceiling, leaving limited scope for major upgrades.
Driver legacy and future prospects
In 2024, Dacia fielded a roster of high‑profile competitors, including Al‑Attiyah, Sébastien Loeb, Lucas Moraes and Cristina Gutierrez. A new manufacturer would inherit that talent pool and the established infrastructure, potentially altering the competitive balance in the desert. Prodrive’s readiness to transfer a proven platform and experienced crew positions it as a pivotal partner for any contender eyeing 2027.
The decision of who steps in next will shape the Dakar’s outcome—every wheel now tracks toward the new backer’s strategy.
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