With just two days to go until the start of the 2026 Dakar Rally, it is clear that the competition in the car category is fiercer than ever. The list of contenders is impressively deep, spread across various teams and manufacturers. Seasoned veterans will go head-to-head with a hungry new generation. Toyota, Dacia, Ford, and Mini are each fielding serious title candidates, closely followed by a long line of challengers eager to seize their chance.
Toyota chases fifth Dakar victory
After winning three of the past four editions, the Toyota Hilux has firmly established itself as a benchmark in the rally world. Developed by Overdrive Racing, the car made history in January with Yazeed Al Rajhi and co-driver Timo Gottschalk. Although the duo missed most of the season due to a major crash, they are returning with one clear objective: defend their title.
But Toyota is not relying solely on its established stars. South African talents Henk Lategan and Saood Variawa, American Seth Quintero, former bike rider Toby Price, Portuguese Joao Ferreira, and young Polish driver Eryk Goczal represent a new wave ready to make their mark in the T1+ category. Lategan, in particular, appears poised to take the next step after finishing second last year.
Big names at new manufacturers
Meanwhile, the old guard has aligned with newcomers at the highest level. Dacia enters the fray with a dream lineup featuring Nasser Al Attiyah, Sébastien Loeb, Lucas Moraes, and Cristina Gutiérrez. Loeb heads into the rally in top form after a strong second half of the season, while Moraes arrives as the newly crowned world champion. Al Attiyah, a five-time Dakar winner, has made a symbolic statement by choosing start number 299, underlining his determination.
Ford also has high expectations. Carlos Sainz leads the team, eager for redemption after an early exit in 2025. Mattias Ekström, who finished third last year, and Dakar legend Nani Roma strengthen the squad. Mitch Guthrie, fifth in 2025, is also aiming for a podium finish.
Mini and Serradori are looking to surprise
Although much of the attention is on Toyota, Dacia, and Ford, Mini is arriving in Saudi Arabia with serious ambitions. X-raid is counting on Guillaume de Mévius, who is renewing his successful partnership with co-driver Mathieu Baumel. Baumel is making a remarkable comeback after a tough year in which he lost a leg, putting everything into being physically and mentally ready for this challenge.
Another standout name is Mathieu Serradori. After a strong sixth-place finish in 2025, he returns with his own CR7 vehicle. His move to the T1+ class seems to unlock even more of his potential.
Strong Dutch presence in a competitive field
The Netherlands is also well represented. Tim and Tom Coronel (start number 247), Maik Willems (249), Janus van Kasteren (253), Dave Klaassen (254), Roger Grouwels (257), and Michiel Becx (263) are all set to take on the international field. In a year where top contenders are scattered throughout the starting order, and low numbers no longer guarantee favored status, overall positioning in the standings will be more crucial than ever.
With so much power and talent on the starting line, the 2026 edition of the Dakar Rally promises to be a true spectacle. From returning champions to ambitious newcomers, the fight for the ultimate rally title is wide open.
