Indian Dakar Rallyist Sanjay Takale Returns with Team Aerpace Racers
Takale aims to improve on his historic 2025 finish, highlighting India’s growing presence in international cross-country rallying
India, Dec 30 : Ace Indian rally driver Sanjay Takale, the first and only Indian to compete in the four-wheeler category at the Dakar Rally, is set to begin his second consecutive appearance at the world’s toughest rally raid, journeying from Delhi to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Takale made history in 2025 by finishing 18th overall and 10th in the Dakar Classic category a regularity event for historic vehicles becoming the first Indian to compete and complete the Car category. For the 2026 edition, he will race for Team Aerpace Racers alongside French navigator Maxime Raud, with technical and logistical support from Compagnie Saharienne, France, which backed him in his debut campaign.
With over three decades in motorsport, Takale’s career spans motocross in the 1980s and an extensive stint in car rallying, including a title in the Asia-Pacific Production Cup and participation in select World Rally Championship events. Born in Manjari village near Pune, he is widely regarded as a pioneer among Indian privateers in sustaining a long-standing presence in international rallying.
Reflecting on his 2025 debut, Takale called finishing the Dakar Classic a career milestone. Looking ahead to the 2026 rally, he said, “My goal is to complete the event again and improve on last year’s result through a consistent, disciplined approach.”
“The Dakar has always fascinated me. It is the biggest, longest, and most challenging rally in the world. Competing there has been a lifelong dream. It’s not just a rally it’s the ultimate test of endurance and spirit,” he added.
The Dakar Rally spans two weeks of extreme desert terrain, including sand dunes, rocks, and varied surfaces. The Dakar Classic emphasizes endurance and navigational accuracy for older rally vehicles, testing crews on precision rather than speed.
Takale is expected to be the only Indian entry in the four wheeler field for the second year in a row, highlighting India’s limited but growing footprint in international cross country rallying. The 2026 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia will feature a mix of liaison and competitive desert stages, providing one of the toughest challenges in global motorsport.
