Archive · 30 Dec 2025
Sanjay Takale Returns for Dakar Rally 2026
Sanjay Takale, a famous Indian rally driver, is going to race in the Dakar Rally again.
This is a very tough race that goes through deserts and different types of terrain.
Last year, he was the first Indian to finish the race in the car category.
This year, he is teaming up with a French navigator named Maxime Raud.
They will get help from a French team called Compagnie Saharienne.
Sanjay has been racing for over 30 years and has won many titles.
He says the Dakar Rally is the hardest and longest race in the world, and finishing it is a big achievement for him.
This year, he wants to do even better than last year.
Sanjay Takale, the first Indian to finish the Dakar Rally in the car category, is returning for the 2026 edition in Saudi Arabia.
He will race with French navigator Maxime Raud and receive support from Compagnie Saharienne, France.
Takale aims to complete the event and improve on his 2025 result with a consistent, disciplined approach.
The Dakar Rally is known for its challenging terrain and is considered the ultimate test of endurance and spirit.
Takale is expected to be the only Indian entry in the four-wheeler field for the second consecutive year.
- Who
- Sanjay Takale, an Indian rally driver, and his French navigator Maxime Raud.
- What
- Participation in the 2026 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia.
- When
- The rally is set to begin on Tuesday.
- Where
- The rally will take place in Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- To complete the event and improve on his 2025 result with a consistent, disciplined approach.
- Driver
- Sanjay Takale
- Team
- Team Aerpace Racers
- Navigator
- Maxime Raud
- Support Team
- Compagnie Saharienne, France
- Event
- Dakar Rally 2026
- Location
- Saudi Arabia
- Category
- Dakar Classic
- Takale's 2025 Finish
- 18th overall, 10th in class