“It's more than just a race, it's a pilgrimage”
معلومات عن الطاقم
- Haoyu Shi is a highly talented Chinese biker who will be making his Dakar debut in 2026.
- Haoyu has been passionate about motorsport since he was a child. At the age of around 16, a friend took him to see a local motocross event and it changed his life: "The second I heard the roar of the engines and felt the energy, I was completely hooked. I knew right then that I wanted to ride. I started on a small dirtbike, and it became my entire world."
- The 23-year-old began competing in enduro and cross-country races at 19, working his way up to major events like the Silk Way Rally and Taklimakan Rally. He made headlines at the 2023 edition of the latter, finishing as the top rookie in fifth place overall.
- Haoyu's superb performances brought him to the attention of Hoto Factory Racing, and he was delighted to sign for the team, praising their 'ambitious spirit'. At the Taklimakan Rally 2025, he came third behind teammates Martin Michek and Arunas Gelazninkas, both highly experienced rally riders. Michek and American star Mason Klein will also be riding for Hoto at Dakar 2026.
- Haoyu says that for him, racing isn't just about speed, but about "the constant challenge, the skill of controlling the machine, and the strategy of navigating different terrains". The Dakar should be a perfect fit!
طموح
H.S.: “Joining Hoto was a very organic process. They were looking for determined riders to boost their growth, and I was looking for a passionate, forward-thinking manufacturer to partner with. When the offer to join their Dakar project came, it was an incredible opportunity and a perfect match. Racing the Dakar is the ultimate dream for any rally rider. To be standing on that start line for the first time means absolutely everything. It's more than just a race, it's a pilgrimage. It's the final exam of your skills, your physical endurance, and most importantly, your mental strength. After years of hard work and sacrifice, I feel an immense sense of pride, not just for myself, but for the chance to represent a Chinese brand like Hoto on the world's toughest stage. It adds a deeper layer of meaning and motivation to the entire journey. I've been very grateful to get some tips from more experienced riders. The most common piece of advice is: 'to finish first, first you must finish'. They all stress that it's a two-week marathon, not a sprint. They also emphasised that navigation is 50% of the battle, and that maintaining your mental composure when you're lost or exhausted is what separates the finishers from the rest. I'm expecting a monumental challenge. As a rookie, my first and most important goal is simply to finish the rally. I aim to ride a consistent and intelligent race, with the hope of securing a respectable position in the overall standings and, if possible, a top spot among the other rookies. But beyond the result, my ambition is to learn.”
