Sanjay Takale Makes History at Dakar Rally 2026 with Prologue Victory

Historic Achievement for Indian Motorsport

New Delhi, January 3: Indian motorsport celebrated a remarkable milestone at the Dakar Rally 2026, where Sanjay Takale showcased an impressive performance during the Prologue Stage. He clinched the top position in the high average speed Group H3 and secured 35th place overall in the Cars category, according to a recent announcement.

The Prologue, which sets the starting order but does not contribute to the overall rankings, saw Takale excel in the Dakar Classic Group H3. This achievement marks him as the first Indian to reach the Dakar podium in the Cars category on the opening day.

Behind the wheel of Car No. 722, Sanjay skillfully maneuvered his Toyota HDJ 100 through a 22 km Special Stage and a 74 km Liaison, totaling 96 km, outperforming seasoned international rivals.

In the H3 class, Jose Sole and Sergio Cerezo from Spain took second place in a Mitsubishi Montero, while Raul Ortiz, also from Spain, finished third in a Toyota RAV4.

This year’s Dakar Rally marks Sanjay Takale's second participation in this grueling event, highlighting his increasing experience and competitive spirit.

Following his Prologue success, Takale is set to lead the way in Stage 1, which runs from Yanbu to Yanbu, featuring a challenging 305 km Special Stage with intricate navigation and dune challenges.

Known as the ultimate endurance test, the Dakar Rally continues to challenge limits, and Sanjay Takale has made a significant statement on the international rally scene.