Auto-Moto: how is this Dakar going? What is the atmosphere like in the team?
Daniel Elena: It’s great, honestly it’s great! We are a good team of enthusiasts, we all get along well. With Ludivine [Puy]we are on the side of specialists in relation to our experience. But after all, they are sports enthusiasts above all and that’s great.
Don’t you miss being in the car too much?
No not at all. It’s been almost four years since it ended. I’ve moved on now and I’m fine the way I am. The stall is done.
Is this your first experience in television?
I’ve done TV at one time but never like this. I spoke during shows, I did a couple of things. But having a role as consultant and expert is the first time.
How did you get there?
Well the Team opened their phone book and looked for someone. As Cyril Despres (consultant on the 2024 Dakar), Stéphane Peterhansel (14 times winner, absent from the 2025 edition) were not there and the other specialists are there, they took the one who is quiet at home : it’s me ! (Laughs).
Did you accept directly?
I thought about it. Because I have a business with my wife (in the customization of textiles, tarpaulins and all supports). There are two of us. However, by accepting this role, we remove 50% of the workers. I also have to take care of my four-year-old daughter. So it’s quite an organization, because I’m in Paris from the start to the end of the Dakar. We had to weigh the pros and cons and organize ourselves to work remotely for the company. Even for the day off, I’m on set!
“A bit like doing the Dakar”
Daniel Elena brings his expertise to decipher the Dakar 2025Photo Credit – The Team
Ultimately, it’s a bit like doing the Dakar!
Exactly ! I’m there almost as long as the competitors, but in Paris. Well, it’s raining in the morning, but there you go. I get up as soon as the cars leave, around 7:15 in the morning, to follow the race and do my analysis.
How do you judge yourself after a week commenting on and analyzing the Dakar?
I improvise. There is no preparation, as we follow everything live. We have to make suggestions, make this happen as best we can. The only instruction is not to get too technical, because most viewers are not familiar with the world of rally raids. The most complex thing is trying to imagine the explanations for people who don’t know. For example with Sébastien Loeb’s broken roll bar, which I compared to a broken arm.
We know your outspokenness. Should you moderate yourself on TV?
Frankly, today I don’t give a damn anymore. When I have something to say, I say it, without using profanity, in relation to the children. It’s my trademark. If it didn’t work out, I would have left. Fortunately, that’s what they like
Loeb on the Team grid before the end of the Dakar?
Will Loeb and Elena meet again before the end of the Dakar?Credit Photo – Red Bull Content Pool
Now that you are a consultant, has your relationship with the pilots evolved? Are some people wary?
Ah, I received messages, there are some that are scary, yes! But then, I’m not here to fuck up. I have turned the page, my priority is my business and my family. I’m not here to try to take someone’s place. I comment on and analyze sports moments. But be careful in case of a mistake, if you gardened, you gardened, it must be said, it’s not my fault!
Even for Sébastien Loeb? Have you spoken to him since his abandonment?
-Not at all, because he disappeared from circulation. For me, he came home, like Carlos Sainz. Unless Dacia says you have to stay for certain reasons.
Really ? Would it then be possible to see him join you as a consultant between now and the end of the Dakar?
A few minutes ago (this Thursday, January 9, Editor’s note) I suggested to the team to try to bring him on set. Maybe we’ll have a nice surprise… Now, whether he’ll accept or not, I don’t know.
The second week will not be easy!
The second week will be difficult for the rally-raid competitorsCredit Photo – Red Bull Content Pool
Many favorites are eliminated after just a few days. Don’t you fear a second week that will be much calmer than the first?
No, there are still many customers left, like [Yazeed] Al-Rajhi, [Henk] How are you [Mattias] Ekström, who are pulling their punches. Moreover, from the first broadcast, they are the three crews that I bet I would see on the podium. So everything is fine for me, I’m not bad halfway through the race.
How is it that so many experienced pilots are trapped, when “young guns” are doing so well?
The young guns start behind and take advantage of the racing events. Saood Variawa, Seth Quintero, when they win, it’s because they start far behind. Séb [Loeb]when there was great weather a year or two ago, it was because he went far away and came back up. One day yes, one day no. This is what we need to look at and analyze.
What will be the key points of this second week at the Dakar?
It’s going to start off with something pretty tough from the start. There will be stones from the start, then sand and navigation. Then, it will be a little bit cooler before finishing with three days in the Empty Quarter (desert with an area close to that of France, Editor’s note), therefore 100% dune. The stages will be shorter in distance but very difficult. These will be short but m**** stages, with hidden waypoints and navigation tricks. And go ahead, go this way, come back this way, go around this 300 meter dune. I think my friend [David] Castera (Dakar boss, editor’s note) has prepared something good for them, because to spend three days there, you have to go there.
Is this a Dakar that you would have liked to take part in?
Honestly, yes, it’s nice. Especially this new version, with the 48 hours and the marathon entry stage. They did the hardest part in terms of kilometers. Now it will be a little cooler but not in terms of difficulty. We have left the stones, we are going to enter into gardening, tanking. Besides, it started from the first dunes with De Mevius, Sainz and Lategan.
Elena in Monte-Carlo?
Will Daniel Elena make a surprise appearance at Monte-Carlo with his family?Photo Credit – The team
Will we find you on the microphone at other events, such as following the WRC?
You shouldn’t ask me that. I haven’t had any requests for this yet. The problem is that I’m scary (laughs). I don’t have my tongue in cheek. But then, I don’t care. The most important thing is to be with my family.
Would we even have the chance to meet you directly on site at certain races?
I’m going to try to motivate myself to go to Monte-Carlo in two weeks (January 23-26). This will be an opportunity to see a special with the family. Nothing more, nothing less. My four year old daughter loves it. She grew up in the Simca 1000 parked in the middle of the store. As soon as she can, she will be behind the wheel!
- Join Auto-Moto on WhatsApp so you don’t miss any car and 2-wheel news!
Also read on Auto-Moto.com:
Featured Podcasts
MEN LIFE
To summarize
Daniel Elena opens up about his new role as consultant on the Paris-Dakar for Chaîne l’Equipe. The atmosphere, the challenges, Sébastien Loeb, the Monegasque, tells us everything as the second week of the rally-raid begins in Saudi Arabia.
Editor
