Challenger-SSV race : Where everything can begin

Racing the Dakar by car offers a wide range of choices. Whether one seeks adventure or performance, with goals depending on talent and resources, the chosen vehicle determines the scope of possibilities. For several years now, lightweight vehicles have met many needs for a whole segment of drivers looking for the best way to express themselves in the desert. And for some, they are a launchpad capable of propelling them toward the Ultimate category.

The trend is revealing: among the top 11 of the 2025 FIA standings, 5 first experienced the Dakar in a Challenger or an SSV: Mattias Ekström (3ᵉ), Mitch Guthrie (5ᵉ), João Ferreira (8ᵉ), Seth Quintero (9ᵉ) and Rokas Baciuška (11ᵉ).

Not all of them necessarily aim to follow the path of these recent arrivals among the elite, but this may well be the destiny awaiting some of those who will battle for the Challenger title in Saudi Arabia. Reigning champion Nicolás Cavigliasso perfectly managed the lead he built early in the rally on his victorious route alongside his wife Valentina Pertegarini. The duo kept their momentum and their consistency earned them the W2RC championship victory at the end of the season.

However, the Argentine couple by no means have the win secured upon returning to Yanbu on January 17. In their 2025 campaign, they were beaten for example by Dania Akeel on the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge; by another Argentine duo, David Zille & Sebastian Cesana, at the Safari Rally; and by Pau Navarro during their last outing at the Rally of Morocco. All of them will be eager to repeat such performances on the biggest stage.

Eyes will also be on several dark horses with diverse profiles but real potential to surprise, such as two multiple-time quad winners: Alexandre Giroud (2022–23) and Ignacio Casale (2014–18–20), who have yet to complete their transition. The switch of double motorcycle winner Kevin Benavides will also be closely watched. And long-time followers will keep an eye on Bruno Saby, winner in 1993 and returning after his last participation in 2007.

The crowd of contenders is just as dense in SSV. Early in the year, with a Touareg in hand, Brock Heger celebrated his 25th birthday in Shubaytah by winning his debut Dakar. The American puts his title on the line within the Loeb Fraymedia Motorsport team, which has grown stronger. Along with his predecessor Xavier de Soultrait (2024 winner), success may also come from Portuguese driver Gonçalo Guerreiro, one of 2025’s standout Challenger rookies, and from Swedish driver Johan Kristoffersson, one of the most anticipated newcomers after winning the rallycross world championship eight times.

Nevertheless, the greatest expert in these vehicles remains surely Francisco “Chaleco” López, winner in both SSV (2019–21) and Challenger (2022). The Chilean lost his shot at top honors last year due to mechanical issues early in the race, yet still claimed five stage wins and finished 2ᵉ. On the category podium he finished ahead of Alexandre Pinto (3ᵉ), the Portuguese driver who topped the 2025 W2RC championship.

As in Challenger, several successful former quad riders will attend, including Argentines Manuel Andújar and Jeremías González Ferioli. Regarding career transitions, the SSV field also welcomes, in different styles, double Dakar Classic winner Carlos Santaolalla, and former KTM factory rider David Casteu (2ᵉ in 2007), competing in his 15th participation.