Sanjay Takale becomes the first Indian to race in the cars category of Dakar Classic

Indian motorsport veteran Sanjay Takale has made history by becoming the first Indian to participate in the  four-wheeler category of the prestigious Dakar Classic, a part of the iconic Dakar Rally.

The 2025 Dakar Rally began on January 3 in Saudi Arabia, and the Pune-based racer has already completed the first stage of this grueling 14-day event.

Racing a Toyota Land Cruiser HZJ78 with French co-driver Maxime Raud, Takale represents India among 94 cars competing in the Dakar Classic.

The first stage, covering 150 kilometers, tested competitors with shifting dunes and challenging desert navigation. 

Takale successfully finished the stage, gaining valuable experience in the race that is known for pushing drivers and their machines to the limit.

The Dakar Classic, running alongside the main Dakar Rally, is a tribute to vintage cars and provides a unique platform for experienced racers and rookies alike.

Takale’s car, numbered 722, is the sole Indian entry in the event. 

Harith Noah and Jatin Jain are the other Indians competing in the Daker Classic. 

The 47th edition of the rally features 12 stages spread over 14 days, with the route crossing the Empty Quarter and concluding in Shubaytah on January 17.

Takale’s journey to the Dakar is a culmination of decades of dedication to motorsport.

From starting in motocross in 1987 to winning the Production Class title in the 2013 Asia-Pacific Rally Championship, he has consistently raised the bar for Indian motorsport. 

With previous experience in events like the World Rally Championship and the Asia Cross-Country Rally, Takale is now adding the legendary Dakar Rally to his list of accomplishments.

The next stage of the Dakar Classic will present even tougher challenges as competitors face longer distances and more complex navigation.

What is the Dakar Rally?

The Dakar Rally is one of the toughest and most iconic motorsport events in the world.

First held in 1978, it is a cross-country rally where competitors race across extreme terrains like deserts, dunes, mountains, and rocky landscapes.

The 2025 edition marks the 47th running of the Dakar Rally and the sixth consecutive year it is being held in Saudi Arabia. The rally features both modern vehicles in the main event and vintage cars in the Dakar Classic.

Key Highlights of the 2025 Dakar Rally:

• Total Duration: 14 days (January 3 to January 17)

• Total Stages: 12 competitive stages

• Total Distance: 7,805 kilometers

• Notable Stages:

• Stage 1: 150 kilometers 

• The “Marathon Stage”: A grueling 950-kilometer, 48-hour non-stop stage across the Empty Quarter.

• Route: Starting in Bisha, the rally traverses the Empty Quarter and finishes in Shubaytah.