As the Dakar 2026 approaches, Sébastien Loeb is preparing to face a significant challenge. Between ambitions, technical improvements, and rivalries within his Dacia team, the Alsatian driver shares his state of mind before hitting the road to Saudi Arabia. Like a conductor, he must harmonise performance and luck to finally hope for that coveted victory.
A promising Dakar with Dacia
Before heading to Saudi Arabia for the Dakar (3-17 January 2026), Sébastien Loeb stopped by Paris, where he spoke with Motorsport.com. Discussing his expectations for this new edition, he emphasises that the car is performing well, which is a good sign. However, he is not oblivious to the strong competition: “The technical regulations mean that the performance of the cars is very close. We are not above the pack, but we are part of it, and that places us rather well.”
The Dacia Sandrider: essential improvements
The Dacia Sandrider had a difficult start in competition, but in a year, areas of focus have led to significant improvements. Loeb explains: “One of the main challenges has been to resolve the electronic issues related to the fan. With a 48-volt system, management becomes more complex. Appropriate strategies are also needed, as a fan can be overwhelmed by sand.”
In addition to this, weaknesses in the arms and links have been identified. The goal has been to analyse and understand the causes of frequent punctures on the previous car. Loeb specifies: “We worked on the exhausts that were heating the tyres, which was probably one of the causes. Moreover, significant work has been done on the rear shock absorbers to mitigate the impact of stones on the tyres.”
The Dacia Sandrider should thus have gained in reliability, allowing the team to aim higher.
A well-oiled team
Regarding the management of the event, Loeb points out that not much has changed since Dakar 2025. Prodrive, the team preparing the car, is experienced in motorsport: “They know how to manage a rally car in competition. We have been working together for five years, and we are well-oiled.”
However, he remains vigilant about the cohesion of the team. “The car chiefs must work hand in hand. A loose screw can cause disasters in the middle of a stage.” This attention to detail is crucial when one knows that a rally like Dakar can be unforgiving.
An enhanced team for Dakar 2026
Dacia will have four cars instead of three for this edition, with the arrival of Lucas Moraes alongside Nasser Al-Attiyah and Cristina Gutiérrez. This evolution brings a new element to the team dynamic. “It doesn’t change much about our ambitions, but it offers more feedback every day. If there’s a problem with one car, everyone is quickly informed, which helps prevent it from happening to others,” explains Loeb.
He also emphasises that as long as they can contend for victory, there will be no team orders between drivers. “If we are in a position to fight for the win, we will all battle until the end. There is always an element of strategy, but for now, we remain focused on performance.”
The quest for victory
Loeb is realistic about the difficulty of winning at Dakar. “It’s not just a matter of talent or preparation; luck is also needed. I have lost rallies due to my mistakes, but other times, it was simply a lack of luck.” This realistic approach is part of his mindset before the start.
Nasser Al-Attiyah will be a serious rival before being a valuable teammate.
A secret route and measured expectations
Regarding the route of Dakar 2026, Loeb admits he does not have much information yet: “The specials are secret until the start. I just know that we are not going into the Empty Quarter, but that doesn’t guarantee there won’t be difficult dunes.” His caution is also linked to the unpredictable nature of the rally: “Anything can happen in 15 days, and it’s hard to be 100% confident.”
Conclusion: a determined Loeb
Just days before the start, Sébastien Loeb displays measured confidence in his team and preparation: “I trust our level of preparation, but I remain cautious. This rally is a challenge where everything can change at any moment.” In this relentless quest to finally secure victory at Dakar, he knows that every detail counts and that luck plays a crucial role.
Sébastien Loeb is in search of his first victory at Dakar.
