Hell was predicted for him in the face of the new vehicle unveiled by the Canadian manufacturer Can-Am, which equips some of its rivals. And for good reason: the North American vehicle impressed during the recent Rally of Morocco, last October. This Saturday, January 4, Xavier de Soultrait showed that despite the unfavorable forecasts, we would have to count on his Polaris again during this Dakar 2025 in the SSV (light vehicle) category.
Competitive from Friday’s prologue (third at 25 seconds), the driver from Neuville-lès-Decize confirmed his potential during the 413 timed kilometers of the first stage, set out this Saturday January 4 around Bisha. Taking the lead around halfway through the race, he avoided the pitfalls to finish the day at the top of the SSV standings, 7 minutes and 35 seconds ahead of the Can-Am of his runner-up, Francisco Lopez.
Xavier de Soultrait and Martin Bonnet knew how to react
A performance which at the same time gives him the lead in the general classification of his category. And honors his number 400, the one attributed to the reigning champion. “That’s it, we are ready for the 2025 Dakar! », he smiled upon arrival.
Dust, stones and tricky navigation were on the menu this Saturday. The first stage turned out to be more complicated than the competitors expected. “When David Castera (Dakar director) tells you that it’s going to be an easy stage… I’m starting to know him well, I know he’s not telling the truth! Or maybe it’s easy for him,” laughed Xavier de Soultrait at the end of a “very good day.” The chemistry with his co-driver and friend Martin Bonnet once again made the difference.
It was really great, and just hearing Martin made me enjoy sailing again. We got lost in a few places, but we turned around at the right time and didn’t waste too much time. The good thing about Martin is that when you make a mistake, you correct it and get back on the right path in a matter of seconds.
The more the kilometers pass, the more Xavier de Soultrait seems to become more comfortable in his second sporting career. It has now been three years since he made the choice to move from the motorcycle Dakar to the car Dakar. “We are starting to have a little experience. Last year, we didn’t really know whether to go quickly or not. We have a long history as bikers, we are starting a new life on four wheels. It went well in 2024 with a victory, we made a good team with the Polaris crew and we are starting to have real racing sensations. »
The rest of the program promises to be tough. This Sunday, January 5, the pair will set off for the 48 hours, a 1,058-kilometer stage contested over two days. The system will be special: the bivouac to which they will be sent will include the bare essentials for eating, warming up and resting. No assistance will be waiting for them on site to repair or maintain their vehicle. The first big challenge of the fortnight’s race. That the Nivernais will approach as a leader.
