“I know my abilities, but I also know how tough this event is”
CREW FACTS
J.D.
- Joao Dias made his Dakar debut in 2023 in the T5 category, not as a driver but as a mechanic for the X-Raid assistance truck.
- The Dakar had been a long-standing dream. Having the opportunity to participate in the T5 category without any competitive goals gave him an insider's perspective on the struggle, effort, demands, learning and resilience associated with the ultimate motorsport challenge.
- It was an opportunity that arose after his first-year racing in 2022 when he became the national champion in the T3 category, winning every race he participated in.
- In 2023, he focused on international competition and became the European class champion in his first year.
- For 2024, his goals included defending both titles. Beyond achieving that, he claimed his first overall victory at the Baja Italy, secured an overall win in the national championship at the Baja Oeste, and was in contention for the overall title until the final race of the championship.
- As preparation for Dakar, he also participated in the Rallye du Maroc for the second time and competed in the last three World Cup races: Jordan, where he achieved 3rd place overall and Qatar, where he finished 3rd place overall
G.R.
- Gonçalo Reis raced enduro, winning several national and international titles: an 11-time national champion, 1-time European enduro champion, and 4-time Enduro World Cup winner.
- He made his navigation debut in 2015 in national races and then competed in the Dakar in 2017, finishing 20th overall and 2nd in the marathon class. He has participated in several car and SSV rallies, and this Dakar will be his third in a car.
2025 AMBITIONS
J.D.: “Before the 2022 Dakar, I was warned there were only two possible outcomes: either I would hate it and never want to set foot there again, or I would love it and want to return every year. It seems I succumbed to the latter, and despite it being a tough experience, the adrenaline of living each stage is indescribable. I am very grateful to everyone who has made it possible for me to return to the ultimate off-road event, this time as a driver, especially Santag Racing, which continues to invest in and believe in me. As for goals, we must remain realistic. I know my abilities, but I also know how tough this event is. Even with all the stars aligned, my main goal is to finish my first Dakar in the best position possible. We hope it’s a great one!”
J M: "I hope to have a good race. I’m very happy with the Santag Racing team and the driver, and I think we can achieve a great result. But as you know, the Dakar is a very long race where anything can happen. The first week will largely determine the final result in the Dakar."
