“Winning is the only option!”
CREW FACTS…
Y.A-R.
- In addition to being a fierce adversary and a formidable competitor, Yazeed Al Rajhi is known for his kindness and generosity in the Dakar bivouacs. For several years, he has systematically organised banquets, often on the rest day, to which he invites many competitors.
- On his first appearance in 2015 already behind the wheel of a Toyota Hilux, he scored his maiden victory on day 8, before being forced to retire while in third place. After a stint with Mini (three Dakars between 2017 and 2019), he had to wait until 2022 before finally stepping onto the podium's third step. Runner-up in the W2RC World Championship for the last two years behind his fiercest rival Nasser Al Attiyah, the Riyadh native will look to make up for his retirement on stage 6 of the previous Dakar, following an accident during the first act of the 48h marathon stage.
- Born into the prestigious Al Rajhi family, who made their fortune in banking, Yazeed specialises in real estate and catering in addition to his racing career, which began in the WRC before moving on to rally-raid.
- The 43-year-old driver, winner of the 2024 Desafio Ruta 40 (ahead of Al Attiyah), is one of the favourites on the Dakar but will once again have to be patient. He will have the support of his veteran co-driver, Timo Gottschalk, winner of the 2011 Dakar... at the time alongside Al Attiyah!
T.G.
- Timo Gottschalk is not only one of the best co-drivers in the sport, but he is also an experienced motorcyclist. In his spare time, he organises tours for enthusiasts in Germany. He first competed in the Dakar in 2007 as navigator for Dieter Depping in a truck. Again, with the same driver, he switched to a car (Volkswagen Race Touareg) the following year, finishing an impressive 6th overall. There was no doubt that he was spotted by Nasser Al Attiyah, who joined the German team in 2010.
- After finishing runner-up in 2010, the two men won in 2011 after an all-out battle with Carlos Sainz. With Volkswagens withdrawal, the pair went their separate ways the following year.
- The native of Neuruppin, north of Berlin, has been a Dakar regular since his debut, taking turns in the cockpit of Carlos Sainz, Yazeed Al Rajhi (once), Kuba Przygonski and then the very promising Lucas Moraes, with whom he finished an impressive third place in 2023.
- He reunited with Al Rajhi for the rest of the 2023 season and the 2024 Dakar, which ended in a rollover on stage six.
- Gottschalk, the runner-up in the W2RC co-driver's world championship for the second year running, is now dreaming of making his driver shine on the Dakar.
AMBITION 2025
Y.A.R.: “This season has been an extraordinary experience. For example, the tracks on the Rally of Morocco were difficult, as usual, given that it's a mini-Dakar, but our Toyota Hilux was in top form. It's one of the fastest and most reliable cars in the world, and we've achieved a lot with it. I look forward to more successes in the future.”
T. G.: “Even if the rollover ended our dream of winning the previous Dakar, we are proud to have led the Dakar rally and set the pace during the first week.
We finished runner-up in the 2024 W2RC after the Rally of Morocco, which was both positive and challenging. It's fair to say that Yazeed and I have always been among the best throughout the season and have always been in a position to fight for big points. That's why we're aiming higher for next season and the upcoming Dakar. We have the speed to do it, and that's the upside.”
