Ace rally driver Sanjay Takale, the first Indian to compete in the Dakar rally on four wheels, is preparing for his second consecutive Dakar appearance, traveling from Delhi to Saudi Arabia. Takale, who debuted at Dakar in 2025, finished 18th overall and 10th in his class in the Car category. He will once again race for Team Aerpace Racers alongside French navigator Maxime Raud, with support from Compagnie Saharienne, France.
With over three decades in motorsport, Takale has a diverse career, including motocross in the 1980s and success in car rallying, such as winning the Asia-Pacific Production Cup. Born near Pune, Takale is recognized for his long-standing presence in international rallying, paving the way for Indian privateers. Reflecting on his 2025 Dakar finish, Takale sees it as a significant milestone and aims to improve his performance in the 2026 edition through a consistent and disciplined approach.
The Dakar Rally, known for its challenging terrains, remains a pinnacle event in motorsport, testing participants with sand, dunes, rocks, and varied landscapes over two weeks. The Dakar Classic, focusing on endurance and navigational accuracy for historic rally vehicles, emphasizes precision over speed. Takale stands as the sole Indian entry in the four-wheeler category for the second year, highlighting the limited Indian presence in international cross-country four-wheel rallying.
