Dakar Classic Debut for Indian Rally Driver Sanjay Takale
In a groundbreaking move for Indian motorsports, Sanjay Takale has partnered with the French historic rally team Compagnie Saharienne to compete in the 2025 Dakar Classic event. Takale will be the first Indian car driver to race in the prestigious Dakar Rally, either in the Classic or the main event.
Takale, a seasoned rally driver with a background in motocross, has been competing in various national rally championships across Asia since 2009. He has found particular success in the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship, where he clinched the Production class title in 2013. Additionally, Takale has made forays into the World Rally Championship-3 category, making his debut at Rally Finland in 2018 and again in 2019.
Continuing his international exploits, Takale represented India at the 2022 FIA Motorsport Games, finishing eighth in his first tarmac rally outing. He has also been a regular participant in the Asia Cross-Country Rally, winning the T2 category in an Isuzu D-Max in 2011. Most recently, he drove a Toyota Hilux Revo to a 23rd overall and 13th in the T1D class at the latest edition of the event in August.
For the Dakar Classic, Takale will be piloting a Toyota Land Cruiser HZJ78, provided by the experienced Compagnie Saharienne team. The French squad has been providing technical support for Dakar Classic competitors since 2022 and has a close partnership with four-time Dakar Rally-winning co-driver Mathieu Baumel, whose navigation school will assist Takale in his preparations.
“Known as one of the toughest mechanical events in the world, the race will be for Sanjay the ultimate opportunity to push back his limits,” reads a statement from Compagnie Saharienne. “Under the colors of our structure, he will make his début in the historic category, with the ambition of learning from this new environment.”
The 2025 Dakar Classic will run concurrently with the main Dakar Rally, scheduled for 3–17 January. Takale’s participation marks a significant milestone for Indian motorsports, as he aims to become the first Indian car driver to conquer the legendary Dakar Rally.
🔗 Source