Despite a promising start, Sébastien Loeb and his co-driver Fabian Lurquin had to abandon the 2025 Dakar following a violent accident during the 3rd stage. The dream of a first victory flies away again for the French driver, yet determined to…
The sandy and winding tracks of the Dakar rally are definitely no favors, even for the greatest champions. Sébastien Loeb, nine-time WRC world rally champion, had the bitter experience of this during the 2025 edition. Despite an exceptional record and an intact thirst for victory, the French driver had to give up his dreams of coronation during the third stage, struck down by a spectacular accident.
A promising new start
With a Official Dacia specially prepared for the test and the wise advice of its Belgian co-driver Fabian LurquinSébastien Loeb approached this Dakar 2025 with solid ambitions. The first kilometers augured for the best, the duo displaying a sustained pace at the head of the race. Alas, the hazards of the rally-raid would once again shatter their hopes.
A brutal and final accident
It was at kilometer 88 of today’s special that fate changed. In a fast and tricky section, the Dacia of Loeb and Lurquin suddenly got into trouble. barrelssuffering significant damage. If the crew escaped the accident unscathed thanks to the safety equipment, the car was too damaged to hope to restart. A cruel twist of fate that puts an end to all their hopes.
Even for a Sébastien Loeb, the stars have to be aligned to win a Dakar. It’s such a demanding race, with increasingly tough competition.
Fabian Lurquin, co-pilot of Sébastien Loeb
A curse that continues
Despite his immense talent and adequate means, Sébastien Loeb is still chasing success on the legendary rally-raid. Since his first participation in 2016, the Alsatian has had a number of mishaps: punctures, navigation errors, mechanical problems… The bad luck seems to persist, systematically blocking his path to success, while his rival Nasser Al-Attiyah piles up victories with regularity.
A mind of steel despite the disappointments
While others would have given up a long time ago in the face of such adversity, Sébastien Loeb is not the type to give up. Year after year, he returns with the same thirst to win, determined to ward off bad luck. A combative state of mind that commands admiration, even if final victory still eludes him on the unforgiving tracks of the Dakar.
With this abandonment in 2025, a new frustrating chapter is being written for Sébastien Loeb. But knowing the temperament of the French champion, there is no doubt that he will return in 2026 for yet another attempt, with the hope that luck will finally turn in his favor. Because the Dakar may not be a gift, Loeb has proven in the past that he has the mental resources to overcome the greatest disappointments.
