The world’s toughest rally is approaching quickly, and Dakar 2026 already seems poised to make history. Not only because of the exceptionally strong field of participants, but also due to the prominent role of Dutch competitors and the serious title chances for female drivers.
From the brutal trucks to the rapidly evolving Challenger class, from strategic battles between car manufacturers to surprising starting numbers for the favorites: this edition promises excitement, spectacle, and sporting firsts. RallyTracks outlines the key storylines, with special attention to the Dutch presence.
Cars: Top drivers spread throughout the field
This year’s car category features a remarkably strong lineup. One striking detail is that many top drivers have been assigned starting numbers spread across the field, rather than the traditional low numbers reserved for favorites. Nasser Al-Attiyah, a multiple Dakar winner, deliberately chose starting number 299, a nearly symbolic choice.
The Dutch presence is solid, with familiar names like Tim and Tom Coronel (247), Maik Willems (249), Janus van Kasteren (253), Dave Klaassen (254), Roger Grouwels (257), and Michiel Becx (263). All eyes are on how they will hold their own in this competitive field.
A notable entry is Jourdan Serderidis (269), the Belgian-Greek driver who will start with an M-Sport Raptor. After years in the WRC with M-Sport, he is now making the switch to Cross Country.
Women prominently present
The number of female participants in the car category is striking. Cristina Gutierrez (212), Laia Sanz (232), Maria Gameiro with an all-female team including navigator Rosa Romero (248), and Aliyyah Koloc (250) are proving that women are increasingly claiming their place in the world’s toughest rally.
Dutch drivers on the starting list
- 247 – Tim Coronel / Tom Coronel
- 249 – Maik Willems / Jasper Riezebos
- 253 – Janus Van Kasteren / Marcel Snijders
- 254 – Dave Klaassen / Tessa Klaassen
- 257 – Roger Grouwels / Rudolf Meijer
- 263 – Michiel Becx / Wouter de Graaff
Challengers: Chance for a female Dakar winner
The Challenger class might be the most exciting category this year. With Dania Akeel (301) and Puck Klaassen (302), two women are at the starting line with real chances of winning.
The Dutch representation is strong, with Kees Koolen (303), Paul Spierings (310), Pim Klaassen (323), Rine Streppel (324), Henri van Steenbergen (327), Daniel Kersbergen (329), Lex Peters (330), and Dick van Culenborg (334). Koolen and Spierings, in particular, are seen as outsiders for a podium finish, though the competition is fierce.
A notable switch is Kevin Benavides (347), who moved from motorcycles to the Challengers. The Argentine won the Dakar on a motorcycle in 2021 and is now aiming to make history again on four wheels.
Dutch drivers on the starting list
- 302 – Puck Klaassen / Augusto Sanz
- 303 – Kees Koolen / Jurgen van den Goorbergh
- 310 – Paul Spierings / Jan Pieter van der Stelt
- 323 – Pim Klaassen / Mark Laan
- 324 – Rine Streppel / Lisette Bakker
- 327 – Henri Van Steenbergen / Daan van Ooijen
- 329 – Daniel Kersbergen / Michiel Goegebeur
- 330 – Lex Peters / Mark Salomons
- 334 – Dick van Culenborg / Nicky Zoontjens
SSVs: Mix of experience and new talent
The SSV category features a great mix of established names and emerging drivers. Dutch participation comes from Wouter Rosegaar, who will serve as navigator alongside British driver Richard Aczel (432). A small but worthy Dutch representation in this growing class.
Dutch drivers on the starting list
- 432 – Richard Aczel / Wouter Rosegaar
Stock: Land Rover vs. Toyota
The Stock category will be the stage for a titanic battle between Toyota and Land Rover. Land Rover is bringing an unprecedentedly strong lineup: Stéphane Peterhansel (500), the record holder with 14 Dakar wins on motorcycles and cars, Rokas Baciuska (502), and Sara Price (504). These three form a formidable attack on Toyota’s dominance. It promises to be a technically and strategically fascinating battle between two automotive giants.
Trucks: Dutch power and experience
The truck category remains traditionally Dutch territory, though the competition this year is tougher than ever. The main roles are reserved for Martin Macik (600), Mitchel van den Brink (601), Aleš Loprais (602) with a De Rooy truck, Martin Šoltys (603), and Vaidotas Žala (604), also with a truck built by De Rooy.
Martin van den Brink (606) will likely serve primarily as fast assistance for his son Mitchel. However, you should never underestimate the experienced veteran—if needed, he can still compete at the front. Additionally, Richard de Groot (607) and Gert Huzink (609) are always dangerous for podium finishes if the top favorites encounter trouble, though they must also avoid problems themselves.
Strong Dutch entry
The further Dutch truck representation is impressive. Brothers Ben de Groot (611) and William de Groot (612) ensure a family rivalry. Kay Huzink (616) will also compete against his uncle. Egbert Wingens (617) will drive alongside his wife Marije.
A notable entry is Marnix Leeuw (620), just 20 years old and last year a navigator in an SSV as preparation for his truck debut. A name to watch for the future.
Dutch drivers on the starting list
- 601 – Mitchel van den Brink / Bart van Heun / Jarno van de Pol
- 604 – Vaidotas Žala / Paulo Fiuza / Max van Grol
- 606 – Martin van den Brink / Richard Mouw / Peter Willemsen
- 607 – Richard de Groot / Martin van Rooij / Jan Hulsebosch
- 609 – Gert Huzink / Hugo Kupper / Marco Kress
- 611 – Ben de Groot / Ad Hofmans / Govert Boogaard
- 612 – William de Groot / Koen Hendriks / Remon van der Steen
- 616 – Kay Huzink / Rob Buursen / Martin Roesink
- 617 – Egbert Wingens / Marije Wingens-Van Ettekoven / Marijn Beekmans
- 620 – Marnix Leeuw / Marco Siemons / Bert van Donkelaar
- 626 – Dave Ingels / Jos Schotanus / David Lopez
Conclusion: Historic chances and fierce competition
Dakar 2026 has all the ingredients for a memorable edition. The real chance of a first female winner in the Challengers, the titanic battle in the Stock category between car manufacturers, young talents breaking through in the trucks, and a Dutch representation that is strong in both experience and youthful talent.
Whether the Netherlands can dominate the trucks again remains the big question, as the competition is fierce this year. But one thing is certain: Dakar 2026 will be a spectacle you won’t want to miss.
