The Dacia Sandrider was designed hand in hand with Dacia drivers for the Dakar. Discover the secrets of this unique prototype, designed for performance and comfort in extreme conditions. Head to the desert with Dacia!
Dacia has taken the bold step of designing its Sandrider prototype for the 2025 Dakar in close collaboration with its drivers. A tailor-made approach aimed at giving Cristina Gutierrez Herrero, Sébastien Loeb and Nasser al-Attiyah as many cards as possible to shine in the desert.
An exterior and interior design thought out with the drivers
According to a source close to the team, David Durand, design director at Dacia, himself took his place alongside Nasser al-Attiyah for understand the specific challenges of the Dakar. Armed with these lessons, the designers worked to model the best possible car in terms of exterior and interior design. The objective: optimize comfort, safety and therefore performance.
In the evening, it was me who told the designers to go home…
– A member of the Dacia design department
The Dacia style center teams have invested body and soul in this unique and stimulating project, according to our information. The Sandrider is truly a concentrate of the needs and experience of Dacia drivers.
Working hand in hand with the crews
Unlike other disciplines like F1 where drivers have no say in design, Dacia involved Cristina Gutierrez Herrero, Sébastien Loeb and Nasser al-Attiyah at every stage. The goal was to offer them a tailor-made prototype to face the challenges of the Dakar.
This close collaboration was structured around several key axes:
- Feedback from pilots on their specific needs
- Taking into account driving constraints in extreme conditions
- Optimization of the cockpit for comfort and performance
- Integration of reinforced security and protection elements
According to indiscretions, every detail, from the seats to the dashboard including the ergonomics of the controls, has been scrutinized and validated by the Dacia crews.
A Sandrider that stands out for its pilot-oriented design
The result of this innovative approach, the Dacia Sandrider displays a unique design, entirely dedicated to the performance of its drivers. From clean lines designed for optimal aerodynamics to ergonomic interior fittings, everything is designed to face the pitfalls of the desert.
According to our sources, some innovations dedicated to the well-being and safety of crews are hidden in the cabin:
- Seats with reinforced support and shock absorption
- Adjustable steering wheel and pedals to fit every size
- Hydration and cooling system integrated into helmets
- Clean dashboard with heads-up display of key information
Bold choices that could well make the difference on the grueling stages of the Dakar. The Dacia clan hopes that this Sandrider “by pilots for pilots” will be a key asset in aiming for the summits next January.
Dacia drivers won over by their new vehicle
According to people close to the team, Cristina Gutierrez Herrero, Sébastien Loeb and Nasser al-Attiyah are delighted with the work accomplished hand in hand with Dacia. The fact of having been listened to and involved at each stage of the Sandrider design seems to be for them a guarantee of confidence and performance.
This is the first time that I have been given such a say in the development of my car. I feel that this prototype was made for me, to make the most of my driving.
– A Dacia driver
Words that say a lot about the state of mind of the Dacia troops as the 2025 Dakar approaches. With a Sandrider tailor-made for their drivers, the Romanian brand intends to play spoilsport on the Saharan tracks.
Check back in January to find out if this unique and bold approach will bear fruit. One thing is certain, Dacia has put all the chances on its side by placing its drivers at the heart of the process of developing its weapon for the Dakar. All that remains is to transform the test!
