Home » Martin and Mitchel van den Brink: On the Road to Dakar Glory

Martin and Mitchel van den Brink: On the Road to Dakar Glory

The Dakar Rally 2025 promises to be an exciting adventure for father and son Martin and Mitchel van den Brink. Representing Eurol Rally Sport, both teams are strong contenders for a top position in the truck category. Starting Friday, January 3, they embark on their mission in Saudi Arabia with a clear ambition: to compete for the top spots and possibly share the podium together on January 17 in Shubaytah.

The signs are promising. Mitchel, just 22 years old, has made incredible progress over the past few years. After an impressive third-place finish in 2024, he is now setting his sights even higher. “We know we have a winning concept with our new truck,” he says confidently. His father, the experienced Martin (54), shares this belief: “We have a modern Iveco truck, lighter and more stable than ever. This gives us an excellent starting position.”

The collaboration with long-standing partner Eurol plays a crucial role in their success. “We’ve been working together for ten years and have built a strong foundation,” Martin explains. For Eurol, the Dakar serves as an ideal testing ground for their high-quality products, which are further developed based on analyses conducted during the rally.

Two New Iveco Trucks: Weapons for Victory

Both teams will race in brand-new trucks from MM Technology, the same brand that dominated last year. Mitchel has extensively tested the vehicle in the Czech Republic, Morocco, and the Netherlands and is thoroughly impressed: “This truck is 1,000 kilograms lighter, perfectly balanced, and extremely agile. I’m amazed by its quality. This vehicle gives us everything we need to compete at the top.”

Martin also emphasizes the progress: “We now have an automatic gearbox, which makes a significant difference. It’s up to us to make the most of this technology and show what we’re capable of.”

Mitchel will once again be joined by his trusted teammates: experienced navigator Moi Torrallardona and mechanic Jarno van de Pol. “We are perfectly in sync, which is essential in the Dakar,” he explains. Martin will race alongside co-driver Richard Mouw and young navigator Bart van Heun. “It’s a fantastic mix of experience and talent,” Martin adds.

Challenges in a Tough Edition

The 47th Dakar Rally introduces new elements, such as a 48-hour chrono stage without service and a grueling marathon stage. These features will test the endurance of both drivers and machines to their limits. “It’s all about balance: pushing where we can, but being cautious where necessary,” says Mitchel.

In the second half of the rally, the caravan will traverse the Empty Quarter, where dune stages will be a decisive factor. “Mitchel is a true specialist in the dunes,” Martin praises his son. “I think he might be the very best in that terrain.”

Mitchel has proven himself over the past few years, steadily climbing the ranks: from 19th place in 2021 to third place in 2024. “Now, we want to take it a step further. But winning also depends on details and a bit of luck,” he emphasizes.

Martin, who will begin his 17th consecutive Dakar Rally, also sees opportunities: “If we avoid major issues, anything is possible.” Both drivers look forward to competing against top teams like Martin Macik, Ales Loprais, and Jaroslav Valtr.

While their focus is fully on Dakar, Mitchel is already thinking about the future. “I dream of one day driving a T1 rally car. But first, I want to win the Dakar in a truck.”

The Eurol Rally Sport team will travel to Saudi Arabia with a crew of twenty. The Dakar Rally 2025 covers 7,700 kilometers, of which 5,100 kilometers are special stages. The finish is scheduled for January 17 in Shubaytah. Mitchel and Martin van den Brink are ready to give it their all in the toughest rally in the world.

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