Truck race Macik at the center of the game

December 2 ^nd 2025 - 19:15 [GMT + 3]

Key points: The dominant force in the truck category over the past two Dakars, Martin Macik, is taking on a historic challenge: defending his title would place him alongside Vladimir Chagin and Eduard Nikolaev, the only drivers ever to win three consecutive editions. The Czech driver will start from Yanbu on January 3 with a major rival: the rising star Mitch van den Brink, who—like his father Martin—will drive the same MM Technology-prepared truck as the double title holder. Among the 45 trucks tackling the 48ᵗʰ edition, Ales Loprais, who completed last year’s final podium, will be driving a vehicle supplied by Team De Rooy. For his 20ᵗʰ Dakar, the heir to the dynasty is focused solely on victory.

But who exactly is this “Joseph”? Nobody knows him yet, but one thing is certain: he will play a major role in the fight for the truck title. He will appear at the top of the classification sheets under the official designation MMT Dakar Evo 4. This typically Czech nickname adopted by MM Technology supporters has been given to six units of this new model, expected to shine on Saudi tracks and dunes… starting with Martin Macik, who is already targeting a triple crown by 2026.

The Czech leader didn’t choose the easy path by giving his rivals access to the same machine he relies on to assert his dominance. The gamble is all the more daring because his most dangerous opponent is rising with both speed and control: the very young Mitch van den Brink, who will turn 24 during the rally, has finished the last three editions 4ᵗʰ, 3ʳᵈ, and 2ⁿᵈ. No need for palm-reading to guess what comes next—his destiny seems written already.

He is naturally considered a potential winner, especially with unconditional support from his father Martin van den Brink, recently 3ʳᵈ in the Dakar (2023), and also at the wheel of a “Joseph,” ready to help in case of trouble. Additional reinforcement may come from brothers Ben (8ᵗʰ in 2024) and William de Groot (14ᵗʰ in 2021).

In the strategic battle that has pitted Czech and Dutch builders against each other in recent years, the gains made by Martin Macik’s team may still be challenged. Despite a clear talent drain, Team De Rooy remains a top-tier force and continues to attract drivers capable of competing at the highest level.

Macik–Loprais: 5–5. That was the stage-win score last January. But this tie doesn’t reflect the reality of the chase through the desert, with Macik managing a large advantage earned in the 48h Chrono, while Loprais attacked relentlessly… eventually finishing 3ʳᵈ, nearly 2h30 behind the winner.

For his 20ᵗʰ Dakar, the nephew of the legendary Karel Loprais (six-time winner) once again relies on the Iveco Powerstar entrusted to him by Team De Rooy. The same choice has been made by Lithuanian driver Vaidotas Zala, whose transition to the truck category has been turbulent (after finishing 11ᵗʰ in cars in 2022), yet ultimately rewarded with 5ᵗʰ place in the final 2025 standings.

Beyond the expected duel between the top manufacturers, several outsiders aim to continue their pursuit of strong results. Among them: another ambitious Czech driver, Martin Soltys (6ᵗʰ in 2023) with Buggyra ZM Racing; Teruhito Sugawara, still determined to push his Hino higher than 6ᵗʰ place (2024, 2018, 2005); and Gert Huzink, whose Renault truck will also aim to improve on its best finish, 7ᵗʰ in 2018.