Stéphane Peterhansel, winner in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995,1997, 1998 (bike category), winner in 2004, 2005, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2021 (cars category)
“In the first year, the transition to the Empty Quarter was a little long, because we were keen to get around the whole country. But since he has two years of experience in Saudi Arabia, David Castera was able to adjust everything to the best of his abilities to make this stretch interesting. If it’s sand we are looking for, we’re in luck, and it will be a nice route because it will be a good test of our ability to get through the sand challenges as well as off-road navigation.”
Joan “Nani” Roma, winner in 2004 (bike category), viner in 2014, 5th in 2021 (cars category)
“I’d love to delve deeper into the Empty Quarter; it’s a terrain that works really well with drivers like me. The sand adds an extra element of stress, because if you make a mistake on sand it generally has worse consequences, but I adapt to these kinds of situations really well. I really thrive in them. More sand, more dunes, more off-road driving, more proper cross-country rallying...I’m excited”
Adrien van Beveren, Motorbikes, 4th in 2017
“A push into the Empty Quarter sounds great. I’m just waiting for it: a terrain full of technical challenges and sand which will allow me to show off my driving skills and to have a bit of fun. Saudi Arabia has a lot of surprises in store for us—the desert is just huge. I’m raring to go and I’m determined to make it to the finish line this year. The Dakar is the race I have to bring home.”
Sam Sunderland, winner in the Cars category in 2017, 3rd in 2021
“I can’t wait for the Dakar 2022. Everyone is starting to get used to Saudi Arabia, but with even more sand dunes, I’ll be feeling a little more at home. We also know a bit more about what to expect in terms of navigation; we know now that it’s good to use the electronic roadbook. This is all a huge motivation.”
Laia Sanz, Cars
“I love the idea of more sand. On a motorbike, you get hit by a lot of stones...and in a car, you get slowed down by punctures. A Dakar with more dunes and new stages is just what we’ve been waiting for. Saudi Arabia is a huge country with some really beautiful landscapes that we can continue to explore. I can’t wait to see this Dakar.”