Spanish rally driver Laia Sanz has made headlines as she is forced to retire from the 2025 Dakar Rally after experiencing her first accident during the inaugural stage of the grueling race. Known for her remarkable track record, having completed 14 consecutive Dakar rallies, this incident marks the end of her quest to finish the rally for the fifteenth time.
The accident occurred near Bisha, Saudi Arabia, on January 1, 2025, at kilometer 330 of the course, just 70 kilometers before reaching the finish line of the stage. Sanz was driving her Century CR6 vehicle when she struck a stone hidden by the dust kicked up by the rally, leading to her vehicle flipping over.
Sanz, alongside her co-driver Maurizio Gerini, faced significant mechanical difficulties right from the start of the race. According to Sanz, she lost the third gear early on, around kilometer 20, and her navigation instruments failed shortly thereafter. "Es una pena empezar el Dakar así... Nos hemos quedado sin tercera velocidad... hemos pillado una piedra que no hemos visto por el polvo y hemos volcado," she commented, highlighting her frustrations.
After the accident, both Sanz and Gerini were able to exit the damaged vehicle without injuries, managing to reach the bivouac where they assessed the damage. Initial reports indicated hopes of repairs and continuity; Sanz noted, "Estamos intentando reparar, para ver si podemos llegar al final de etapa... El coche está bien... es una lástima..." Despite their efforts, the car was found to have sustained structural damage to the safety bar due to the rollover.
Officials from the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) were called to examine the car's structural integrity, and they concluded there was deformation of the safety bar by just two millimeters, which the regulations deem hazardous. This decision forced Sanz to abandon her bid for this year's title, as she was unable to continue racing.
Sanz's exit from the rally means she will not be able to complete this edition, contrasting sharply with her past record of finishing every Dakar Rally she entered. Her 14 previous participations have cemented her status as one of the most consistent competitors, with notable achievements including being the top female finisher and achieving ninth place overall one year.
This year's Dakar was particularly significant for Sanz as she aimed to surpass her prior performance with ambitions of finishing high within the overall rankings and competing earnestly for victory within the 4x2 category. The disappointment echoed throughout the rally community, which saw her as one of the top contenders.
The emotional toll of this experience weighed heavily on Sanz, who expressed her strong intent and hopes going forward. Despite the adversity, she encouraged budding rally enthusiasts, emphasizing resilience: "Creía que podía ser un buen año," reflecting her unyielding spirit even amid setbacks.
For many, Sanz's determination on the rugged tracks of the Dakar Rally has made her not just a competitor but also a symbol of tenacity and skill within the world of motorsport, particularly for Spanish athletes. Her early withdrawal this year has left fans and supporters heartbroken but hopeful for future events and her eventual return to competitive racing.
Throughout her career, Sanz has consistently demonstrated grit. Her accolades extend beyond the Dakar, having achieved success as World Champion in trials and enduro racing, symbolizing the multifaceted nature of her sporting prowess. While she won't be completing this year's rally, her remarkable legacy of achievement remains unblemished, and she continues to inspire with her commitment to the sport.