It's been a few years since Pierre Lachaume chased victory in the Dakar for two-wheel drive cars. The competitor from Puy-en-Velay had already finished second, but the top step of the podium was still resisting him.
Winning was not the initial goal
This is no longer the case since last Friday. The operator of several Sport 2000 stores reached the finish of the 2025 edition, in Shubaytah, at the top of the “2 RM” ranking, after a long race of nearly 8,000 kilometers. “The podium would have been enough, so winning is great?! It’s a great victory,” he celebrated on his return to the bivouac.
Its success is all the more remarkable as Ponot was not supposed to participate. He was on a ski vacation with his family in the Alps when he learned of the package from his friend Jean-Pierre Strugo. It was December 30, and he then took on the crazy challenge of replacing him. “In three hours, I had everything I needed thanks to the help of my family, the MD Rallye Sport team and the organization,” he says. By the time he returned to Toulouse where he is based, packed his bag and got on the plane, Pierre Lachaume landed in Saudi Arabia on January 1, 48 hours before the prologue.
Less prepared than in previous years, the Altiligerian approached this Dakar with less pressure, because he knew he was in this particular situation. He rolled free, and the wind turned in his favor. “We were in the lead on the fourth day, then we lost the lead following a technical problem. We fought hard to get back on our opponents. We also took advantage of their technical problems, but it's the Dakar, something can always happen. We regained first place and managed our lead,” he says.
-Appointment made in 2026
“Experience” made the difference, believes the driver from Puy-en-Velay, also 21st in the general classification, against the imposing cars equipped with four-wheel drive. “This is the eighth Dakar that I have done, we knew how to manage the car, pay attention to the car when it hit us and attack when necessary. » Effective wisdom on a grueling journey for mechanics.
Back in France, he plans to take the time to savor… But is he already planning for the next edition?! “Winning is cool, but I’m a competitor,” he slips mischievously. “I was riding the Optimus Evo 4, but I would like to try the Evo 5. I will try to defend my title next year. » The appointment is made on the starting line in January 2026?!
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