Sanjay Takale Makes History at Dakar 2026 Despite Early Exit
Historic Achievement at Dakar 2026
Sanjay Takale's journey in the 2026 Dakar Rally may have concluded prematurely, but it marked a significant milestone in Indian motorsport history. Competing in the Classic Auto H3 subclass, Takale became the first Indian to secure stage wins in the car category, a remarkable feat that remains noteworthy despite a mechanical failure preventing him from completing the race.
Impressive Start to Dakar 2026
At the wheel of a Toyota HDJ 100 (Car No. 722) alongside French co-driver Maxime Raud, and with the backing of Compagnie Saharienne, the 57-year-old driver kicked off the rally with an impressive performance. He dominated the 22-km prologue on January 3 in the Classic Cars H3 (87-96) category and finished 35th overall after the combined 96-km loop, which included liaison sections.
Historic Stage Win
Continuing his momentum into Stage 1, Takale navigated the challenging 305-km Yanbu dunes, opening the stage and achieving a historic H3 stage victory. This win not only placed him at the forefront of his class but also sparked celebrations across India as it marked the first time Indian four-wheelers reached the Dakar car-stage podium.
Mechanical Setback Halts Progress
Born on February 2, 1968, in Manjari near Pune, Takale maintained his H3 lead through Stages 2 and 3, including the demanding 266-km regularity tests of Stage 3, where he averaged around 59.55 km/h. He was well-positioned for a potential hat-trick of class wins and was tracking within the overall top-20 in the classic category. However, disaster struck at the AlUla bivouac, where his 4.2-litre six-cylinder engine experienced a critical piston failure. Despite the team's efforts to secure a replacement Toyota engine overnight, logistical challenges and Dakar regulations meant the new engine arrived too late, forcing Takale to withdraw before Stage 4.
Takale's Remarkable Motorsport Journey
This was Takale's second appearance at the Dakar Rally. In 2025, he made history as the first Indian to finish the Dakar in the car category, achieving an overall 18th place and 10th in Classic. His extensive career spans over three decades, with more than 75 national and international victories. Notable highlights include competing in WRC3 at Rally Finland in 2018 and 2019, where he finished 14th in class both times. He also won the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship class title in 2013 and represented India at the 2022 FIA Motorsport Games, finishing eighth in class.
A Legacy of Achievement
Reflecting on his Dakar experience, Takale expressed that the stage wins were 'a great feeling' and described the campaign as 'a huge learning experience,' pledging to return even stronger. Fans across the nation have shown overwhelming support, with celebratory gatherings already being organized, starting in Pune, as confirmed by his daughter Sanjana Takale. Although other Indian competitors faced early exits, Takale's 2026 Dakar journey will be remembered not for his retirement but for a groundbreaking achievement that has elevated Indian rallying to new heights.