Sanjay Takale Gears Up for Dakar Rally 2026: A Journey of Endurance
Sanjay Takale's Dakar Adventure Continues
Renowned rally driver Sanjay Takale, the first Indian to compete in the grueling Dakar Rally, is set to embark on his second consecutive journey from Delhi to Saudi Arabia this Tuesday.
A Trailblazer's Dakar Debut
Takale made history in 2025 by becoming the first Indian to not only participate but also complete the Dakar in the Car category. He achieved an impressive 18th place overall and secured 10th in his class during the Dakar Classic, which is a regularity event for vintage vehicles.
Team and Support Structure
At 57, Takale will once again represent Team Aerpace Racers, alongside French navigator Maxime Raud. He will benefit from the technical and logistical assistance of Compagnie Saharienne from France, who also supported him in his previous Dakar campaign.
With over 30 years of experience in motorsport, Takale's career includes motocross in the 1980s and a successful run in car rallying, highlighted by a title in the Asia-Pacific Production Cup and participation in select World Rally Championship events. Hailing from Manjari village near Pune, he is celebrated as a pioneer among Indian privateers and has maintained a significant presence in international rallying.
Aiming for Improvement in Dakar 2026
Reflecting on his debut, Takale considers finishing the 2025 Dakar Classic a pivotal moment in his career. For the upcoming 2026 edition in Saudi Arabia, he stated, "My aim is to complete the event again and enhance my performance from last year through a consistent and disciplined approach."
"The Dakar has always captivated me. It is the longest and most challenging rally globally. Competing there has been a lifelong aspiration. It's not merely a rally; it's the ultimate test of endurance and spirit," he expressed after his inaugural finish.
The Rigors of the Dakar Rally
The Dakar Rally is renowned as one of the most challenging motorsport events worldwide, featuring stages that traverse sand, dunes, rocks, and diverse terrains over a two-week period. The Dakar Classic emphasizes endurance and navigational precision for older rally vehicles, focusing on accuracy rather than sheer speed.
For the second year in a row, Takale is anticipated to be the sole Indian competitor in the four-wheeler category, highlighting the limited representation of Indian drivers in international cross-country rallying.
The 2026 Dakar Rally will take place in Saudi Arabia, with the route expected to include a combination of liaison and competitive stages across the desert.