The unforgiving sands of the Dakar Rally loom large on the horizon, and the Dacia Sandriders team isn't wasting any time getting prepared. Having just wrapped up their initial testing phase, the team is radiating optimism and a sense of accomplishment. Their custom-built Sandero, the weapon of choice for this grueling challenge, has undergone a rigorous shakedown across varied terrains, exceeding expectations and leaving the drivers impressed.
The Dacia Sandriders' journey began at Millbrook Proving Ground in the UK, a facility renowned for pushing vehicles to their limits. Here, the focus was on a thorough systems check, ensuring every component functioned flawlessly – a crucial first step before venturing further afield.
Next stop: Sweet Lamb in Wales. This testing complex provided the Dacia Sandriders with a taste of what's to come. Cristina Gutiérrez, a skilled driver with a thirst for competition, took the wheel for two days, putting the Sandero through its paces. It was then that Sébastien Loeb, the legendary nine-time world rally champion, stepped into the cockpit. His expertise in testing and development proved invaluable, as he meticulously assessed the Dacia Sandero's performance and provided valuable feedback.
The French terrain of Château de Lastours offered a different challenge. Here, the unforgiving rocks demanded more from both the car and the drivers. Nasser Al-Attiyah, a multiple Dakar winner, got his first taste of the Sandero's power on this demanding landscape. Loeb continued his testing duties while Gutiérrez returned for a final run, demonstrating the team's well-rounded driver lineup.
The sentiment across the team is overwhelmingly positive. Tiphanie Isnard, the team principal, is thrilled with the initial testing phase exceeding expectations. There were very few issues encountered, a testament to the meticulous design and engineering behind the Sandero. This bodes well for the upcoming challenges that lie ahead.
Up next is the crucial test in Morocco, scheduled for June 28th to July 5th. Here, the Sandero will encounter terrain strikingly similar to what it will face in the Dakar itself. This real-world rally-raid environment will be a valuable proving ground, allowing the team to further refine the Sandero and identify any areas for improvement.
The driver roster is abuzz with excitement. Nasser Al-Attiyah, impressed by the Sandero's ease of handling and power, is eager to get back behind the wheel in Morocco. Cristina Gutiérrez is adapting well to the new car and category, highlighting the team's impressive work so far. Sébastien Loeb echoes the positive sentiment, praising the car's well-functioning engine and suspension.
Philip Dunabin, the technical director, acknowledges the initial tests went "astonishingly smoothly." While acknowledging some areas for improvement, particularly crew ergonomics within the car, he's confident these will be addressed before the Moroccan trials. The overall mood is one of meticulous preparation and unwavering optimism.
The Dacia Sandriders team has taken a significant step forward in their Dakar odyssey. The initial testing phase has not only revealed a promising car, but also a team that is united, experienced, and fiercely determined. With the unforgiving sands of Morocco beckoning, the Dacia Sandero is poised to make a name for itself in the most prestigious rally raid in the world. The spirit of competition burns brightly within the Dacia Sandriders team, and the world is eagerly waiting to see how their meticulously crafted challenger performs on the ultimate motorsport stage.
