The upcoming Dakar Rally 2025, set to take place from January 3 to January 17, promises to be another thrilling edition of the legendary rally-raid competition, with participants from various backgrounds and experience levels gearing up for the arduous challenge across the Saudi Arabian desert.
One such participant, Benjamin Mélot, from Lons-le-Saunier, is preparing for his eighth Dakar, competing once again in the malle-moto category. Mélot shared his thoughts with Voix du Jura just days before the rally’s kickoff, expressing both excitement and frustration stemming from previous regulations. “It was frustrating from a sporting perspective because being ranked within the top 30 implied I would no longer be recognized within my category. This gave the impression I was doing the Dakar ‘for nothing,’” he stated, emphasizing his desire to compete for classification as well as overall ranking.
To bridge this gap, Mélot embarked on a project to create video content on YouTube to document his experiences and provide insights from within the event, as traditional media coverage has waned. “This approach has proven successful, yielding very positive feedback,” he noted, reflecting on the fan engagement the series has inspired. Having previously earned second and third places, he aspires to claim victory this year, and to share the experience with followers who dream of being part of such events.
On another note, the Dakar Rally 2025 will be marked by the presence of legendary drivers like Ari Vatanen and Stéphane Peterhansel, both of whom are co-record holders for stage wins within the automobile category. Before the rally starts, the duo remains celebrated figures, with Vatanen noted for his four historic wins between 1987 and 1991, achieving his last major feat with Nissan back in 2004. Peterhansel, often referred to as “Monsieur Dakar,” matched Vatanen’s record last year, recording triumphs behind the wheel of the Audi RS Q e-tron. Their legacy casts long shadows over the competition, and they remain sources of inspiration for many, including rising star Nasser Al-Attiyah, who aims to eclipse their standing by potentially surpassing their stage victory records.
This year, the participant roster also features the inspiring story of 75-year-old Jean-Luc Martineau, who will be tackling the rally for the first time with his co-pilot Sébastien Dubois. Martineau’s undertaking stems from years of intrigue, having watched the Dakar since its inception in the 1980s when it passed through towns like Orléans. He has participated in various other rallies but cites the opportunity to compete in the Dakar Classic category—a class for vintage vehicles—as his motivation this year. “I want to be able to say I participated,” he shared when discussing both the dream and the practical aspects of competing, including the rigors attached to the event, like the required financial commitment.
“The Dakar is special; if you experience mechanical issues, you pack your bags and head home,” he remarked, highlighting the harsh realities of the competition. For Martineau, who maintains his physical health through various activities, this experience is both about personal challenge and fulfilling lifelong aspirations.
The collective spirit of the Dakar is embodied by participants like Hubert Lelièvre and Franck Geenens, two lifelong friends from Orne who have pursued this ambition since childhood. “It’s been a dream since we were kids; we’ve followed the competition religiously,” expressed Lelièvre, whose excitement was palpable. Both he and Geenens, equipped with camaraderie and years of motorsport experience, are well-prepared for the demanding stages of the race. Their deep-rooted passion serves as both motivation and morale as they take to the desert.
The Dakar Rally has long symbolized triumph over adversity, filled with stories of participants - each motivated by their unique reasons, aspirations, and histories. The experiences of Mélot, Martineau, Lelièvre, and Geenens resonate within the larger narrative of this colorful and adventurous challenge, set against the backdrop of fierce competition and rugged terrains.
With the prologue taking place around Bisha and twelve main stages to follow, the eyes of the world will be set once again on the Dakar, from the elite competitors battling for glory to the amateurs striving to make their mark. The exciting blend of aspirations makes the Dakar Rally 2025 not just another event, but also another chapter steeped in passion, determination, and unforgettable stories of the human spirit.