In the truck division of Dakar 2026, the battle for the crown is reaching a boiling point. Reigning champion Martin Macik kicks off his historic campaign on January 3 in Yanbu. If the Czech manages to claim victory for a third consecutive year, he will join a select group of rally legends that includes Vladimir Chagin and Eduard Nikolaev. But the road to immortality won’t be easy, especially since his biggest challenger is driving the exact same truck.
The weapon: the new “Joseph”
MM Technology, based in Sedlcany, Czech Republic, returns to the desert with a brand-new truck: the MMT Dakar Evo 4. Among fans, it already carries the nickname “Joseph.” Six of these identical machines will line up at the start, all built to continue Martin Macik’s trail of destruction through the Saudi dunes. What makes Macik’s approach bold is his decision to let his fiercest rivals drive the exact same equipment as he does. He’s not choosing the easy path, but embracing an all-out battle on equal terms.
Mitchel van den Brink: Dakar’s crown prince
One of the main contenders is none other than Mitchel van den Brink. The Dutchman will turn 24 during this year’s rally but has been racing with the poise of a seasoned veteran for years. His remarkable rise, from finishing fourth in 2022 to third in 2023 and second in 2025, makes him the clear favorite. There is a strong chance he will claim his first Dakar victory, with his father Martin van den Brink by his side in a second Evo 4, ready to support his son whenever needed. The Van den Brink family isn’t the only one well represented. The De Groot brothers are also back again. Ben finished eighth last year, while William secured fourteenth in 2021.
The battle with Loprais and other dark horses
Alongside Macik and Van den Brink, Ales Loprais should not be overlooked. Starting his 20th Dakar, the Czech driver returns once again in an Iveco Powerstar from Team De Rooy. Last year, Loprais was a force to be reckoned with, winning five stages just like Macik. However, a tough 48-hour marathon stage cost him dearly. He ended up third overall, nearly two and a half hours behind the winner, but his hunger for victory remains undiminished.
Also returning is Vaidotas Zala, the former Lithuanian car driver who surprised everyone with a fifth-place finish last year in the truck category. Behind him, several outsiders are chasing top results. Martin Soltys (sixth in 2023) is back with Buggyra ZM Racing, Japan’s Teruhito Sugawara hopes to finally place his Hino higher than sixth, and Gert Huzink of the Netherlands is determined to improve on his personal best, seventh place in 2018, with his Renault truck.
