Dakar magic takes over Santa Susanna

As the sun rose over the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, spectators were already flocking to Santa Susanna to admire the vehicles of the 2026 Dakar. An international sporting destination, this seaside resort on the Costa del Maresme was the true capital of rally-raid this week, hosting the traditional administrative and technical checks.

A crucial moment for participants, these checks mark the end of long months – sometimes years – of work and preparation. The machines have now been cleared to be shipped to Saudi Arabia by sea, where they will be reunited with their crews in early January. They weren’t the only attraction of the day: the public also had the opportunity to meet numerous Spanish competitors and Dakar celebrities (see Statements).

Invited on stage, the future participants discovered a detailed version of the route. Race director David Castera presented each of the 13 stages of this 48^th edition, unveiling key features ranging from unique landscapes and technical challenges to major new elements. The presentation generated enthusiasm and excitement for the start of the race.

Pushed by the crowd, the event was a resounding success, with competitors describing a “magical” atmosphere. It confirms Spain’s essential place in the rally-raid landscape. Having been crossed by 14 editions of the Dakar, the country represents the second-largest contingent of nationalities in the race (104 participants in 2025). With its iconic seaside promenade, its charm between sea and mountains, and its strong sporting identity, Santa Susanna provided an exceptional setting for this celebration, blending passion for motorsports, conviviality and public enthusiasm.

STATEMENTS:

Joan Campolier, Mayor of Santa Susanna: “The arrival of the Dakar Rally scrutineering in Santa Susanna confirms our city’s organizational capabilities and the quality of our infrastructure. We are delighted to welcome the world’s greatest rally-raid and to collaborate at this key stage before the start of the competition. This achievement enhances the international reputation of our destination and demonstrates our ambition to host major global events.”

David Castera, Dakar director: “This is like the first important Dakar moment: competitors drop off their vehicles, they have one month left to prepare, and they start entering the reality of the Dakar. Adrenaline rises, and this 48^th edition becomes more and more tangible. The event was a great success: everything went smoothly, the welcome was extraordinary, and the public really showed up. It’s also thanks to the city of Santa Susanna, which rose to the challenge brilliantly. The vehicles will now head to Saudi Arabia, and the competitors can’t wait to join them. Like us!”

Laia Sanz, Ebro Motorsport driver in Ultimate: “We’ve had a spectacular day. There is so much passion for the Dakar in Catalonia and Spain. The race passed through here years ago, and I’m thrilled that so many people and friends came to see the competitors and the vehicles. We have the best fans in the world! The race changed two years ago and I believe it will be tough again, but that’s the Dakar: it has to be full of adventure. This 2026 edition looks very promising.”

Tosha Schareina, Monster Energy Honda HRC rider in RallyGP: “It’s an honor to have the Dakar scrutineering in Spain. It doesn’t feel like it’s been almost a year since we left, we’re already back and I can’t wait for it to begin. After my Rallye du Maroc win, everyone is ready and motivated. The organizers always make sure it’s difficult, so we expect to both enjoy and suffer, especially with the two marathon stages where we’ll have to sleep in tents again, with the bare minimum.”

Isidre Esteve, Repsol Toyota Rally Team driver in Ultimate: “I’m very happy that the Dakar came here for scrutineering and the presentation. We’re in a region with so many Dakar fans, and it’s a beautiful gift for them. I’m delighted to be here and to have shared this moment with them. This Dakar will be very long. I know David Castera well: when he says it will be easy, it won’t be – and when he says it will be difficult, then it will be very hard! (laughs) Tough but extraordinary, for sure.”

Lorenzo Santolino, Sherco Rally Factory rider in RallyGP: “The adventure begins! It was a great day, like the start of the Dakar. Thanks to all the people who came to see the competitors and the vehicles. Now we can’t wait for December to pass so we can start to race! This Dakar will undoubtedly be very demanding, like previous years, with many kilometers and a lot of rocks. It will be physically challenging, and we’ll need to arrive well prepared.”

Pau Navarro, BBR Motorsport driver in Challenger: “I think it’s the first time I’ve seen so many people at this event, so I want to thank everyone who came to Santa Susanna for it. My navigator and I are among the youngest competitors, and having the opportunity to take part in the Dakar is thrilling. Like in previous years, we will enjoy every stage, every kilometer, as if it were the last.”

Javi Vega, Pont Grup – Kove rider in Rally2, Original by Motul category: “There’s one month of preparation left before the Dakar, and being here really makes the stress rise! Many people came from Barcelona and the surrounding areas, in this highly motivated city of Santa Susanna. It’s great. I expect a Dakar with lots of rocks, but we Spaniards are better in rocks than in the sand. We’ll see how it goes!”

Armand Montleon, Toyota Gazoo Racing W2RC navigator in Ultimate: “It’s truly a pleasure to do this presentation here in Santa Susanna. The 2026 season looks exciting, starting with the Dakar in January. The route will require navigation, with separate stages for cars and bikes. I’m happy the organizers included two marathon stages, as they preserve the spirit of the Dakar – I think that’s important.”

Gerard Farrés, Pedrega Team driver in SSV: “This day reminds me of when I was young and watched the Dakar in Barcelona. Being here in Santa Susanna, with all these people taking pictures and meeting the riders, is magical. Congratulations to the organizers and to Santa Susanna for setting this up and bringing emotion to it. The Dakar route is always challenging, we know Saudi Arabia: rocks and sand! It will be a tough race, and I don’t want to think too far ahead, just focus on the first stage and take it day by day.”