Laia Sanz, the renowned Spanish rally driver, is gearing up for her 15th participation in the Dakar Rally, which is set to commence on January 3, 2025. This year marks her fourth consecutive entry behind the wheel of a car, emphasizing her transition from her previous successes on motorcycles.
Notably, Sanz holds the remarkable record of never having abandoned the competition throughout her entire Dakar experience. With 20 world titles to her name—including 14 wins in trial and six in enduro—Sanz is no stranger to overcoming challenges. Her high level of performance not only highlights her skills but also her determination to excel under the harsh conditions typical of the Dakar.
"Tiene mucho valor, no solo terminarnos, sino hacerlo a un buen nivel," Sanz stated, echoing the immense effort required to compete successfully. This determination reflects her passion for the rally circuit and the unique challenges it presents.
Last year's event was particularly harrowing for Sanz, as she faced a severe accident where her vehicle flipped multiple times, leading to what she described as a shocking experience. "Cuando estaba ahí solo oía quejar al copiloto. Te quedas en shock, no sabíamos muy bien dónde estábamos," she recalled, without sustaining injuries, though the car was completely wrecked.
Looking toward the future, Sanz will be piloting a buggy with rear-wheel drive for this year's competition, strategically aiming for victory within her category. Despite acknowledging the prowess of current 4x4 vehicles, she remains optimistic about her chances. "Me gusta que el Dakar sea navegado y difícil porque da más opciones," she noted, highlighting her appreciation for the challenging nature of the rally.
While she relishes the excitement of racing cars, Sanz admitted missing the day-to-day experiences associated with motorcycles. Her versatile background includes formidable athleticism and experience, which she plans to leverage as she takes on the desert terrains once again.
With her 15th Dakar looming, Laia Sanz is poised not only to continue her legacy of successful participations but to aim for higher accolades within the competitive environment of the rally. Her commitment to the sport and her determination to overcome obstacles frame her both as a competitor and a role model for aspiring athletes.
