Dakar 2025 starts tomorrow
The Dakar 2025 starts tomorrow. It is the longest, toughest, and hardest off-road rally in the world!
Sherco Rally Factory riders, Lorenzo Santolino (P6 in 2021), Harith Noah (winner of the Dakar Rally 2 class in 2024), Rui Gonçalves (P3 at Morocco Desert Challenge 2023), and the entire team are ready for THE rally race of the year.
The program
The 2025 Dakar Rally will take the riders on an epic journey through Saudi Arabia, covering a total of 8,000 kilometers, including more than 5,000 kilometers of specials.
David Castera, Director of the Dakar Rally : « On the 3rd,we will have the Prologue, 29 km of test and 50 km of liaison. The harrowing 48h chrono stage, bumped up to the first part of the race, will lead almost directly into the marathon stage, which will begin to shape the outcome of the event. In the second week, Shubaytah will be shining in the distance as a beacon awaiting the participants who manage to tame the dunes of the Empty Quarter. Meticulous care went into separating the courses of the specials over more than 45% of the total mileage, a tried-and-tested approach that will make the race even smoother and safer while complicating navigation for the cars. Finally, the race will come to the heart of the bivouacs, which will host stage starts and finishes, as well as the final podium in Shubaytah on 17 January ».
Sherco Rally Factory Team: Riders Ready for Dakar Glory
Meet the extraordinary athletes representing the Sherco Rally Factory Team, a powerhouse of talent, determination, and passion as they gear up for the ultimate Challenge.
Lorenzo Santolino
Date of Birth: 4/8/87
Nationality: Spanish
Experience: A consistent performer, Lorenzo brings years of experience and a laser focus to the team.
Dakar 2021 Highlight: Finished 6th overall—his best result yet.
What does Dakar represent for you?
“For me, it’s the goal of the year. My way of life revolves around being at my best when I’m on the start line of the Dakar”.
How was your training, and how long have you been training for this edition?
“As soon as one Dakar ends, training for the next edition begins. During my last bike training session in Morocco, I felt confident with my riding and navigation, especially with the latest updates on our SHR”.
What is most important for you while training?
“Having a clear plan and staying focused on it. The support of the whole team is crucial for training in the best possible conditions, particularly during the rally camps”.
What is your target/goal for this edition of the Dakar?
“We’re working hard to improve on my 6th overall position from 2021. My motivation is to be one of the Top 5 riders at the finish line, and I believe we are ready to fight for it”.
What is your best memory of Dakar?
“Crossing the finish line in Dakar 2021. It was the first time I completed the race, achieving 6th place—a dream come true at that moment!”.
Rui Gonçalves
Date of Birth: 17/05/1985
Nationality: Portuguese
Journey to Dakar: Transitioned from motocross and enduro to rally racing, where he’s showcased resilience and skill.
Dakar 2022 Highlight: Secured a 3rd place in a stage, proving his mettle among the elite.
What does Dakar represent for you?
“Dakar has been my life for the past few years. Almost all my preparation and focus is dedicated to those two weeks of racing in January”.
How was your training, and how long have you been training for this edition?
“Training has been great, especially in the last weeks in Morocco. Preparing for Dakar is a year-long process; as soon as one edition ends, you start working on how to improve for the next one”.
What is most important for you while training?
“Dedication is key, and when you enjoy what you do, everything becomes easier”.
What is your target/goal for this edition of the Dakar?
“The first goal for everyone is to finish. I will do my best to improve stage by stage and achieve the best possible result for the team”.
What is your best memory of Dakar?
“Securing a 3rd place in a stage at Dakar 2022”.
Harith Noah
Date of Birth: 29/01/1993
Nationality: Indian
Rising Star: A trailblazer for Indian motorsport, Noah’s journey exemplifies grit and determination.
Best result : Winner of the Dakar Rally 2 class in 2024.
What does Dakar represent for you?
“It’s the most important race of the year and the ultimate challenge for me and my team. The feeling of pushing my boundaries motivates me to keep taking part in the Dakar”.
How was your training, and how long have you been training for this edition?
“Training has become a way of life for me. Since I turned professional, I’ve been training consistently every day”.
What is most important for you while training?
“Continuously improving”.
What is your target/goal for this edition of the Dakar?
“To finish the rally and take it one kilometer at a time”.
What is your best memory of Dakar?
“Stage 10 of the 2024 Dakar Rally. i won the Rally 2 class and finished P5 overall!”
Stay tuned to follow their daily adventure!
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