“I feel as motivated as I did for my first Dakar”
En resumen
- Zhao Hongyi has become a familiar face on the Dakar since 2017, when he made his debut in the bikes category on a Zongshen. After abandoning that year due to technical failure, he went on to finish six times in a row between 2018 and 2023, even coming 7th in Original by Motul in 2019. In 2024 he was forced to withdraw early in the second week after breaking his collarbone in a crash. But he took his revenge finishing Dakar 2025 no issues.
- The 44-year-old from Beijing developed a passion for motorsport during his childhood, when his parents used to take him out travelling on a motorcycle. He was inspired to pursue a racing career and began starring at domestic events like the Taklimakan Rally, which he won in 2011.
- With competitive opportunities somewhat limited back home, Zhao began working as the presenter of a television show dedicated to motorsport, a job he still does today. He is keen to inspire the next generation by sharing stories of the Dakar and handing out plenty of free advice. He has also set up a rally school back home to teach youngsters about the sport.
- In 9 participations, Zhao's best finish was 45th in 2021. In 2023 he also won a Dakar Fair Play award for helping out a fellow competitor in trouble.
Ambición
Z.H.: “After a DNF in Dakar 2024 because a collarbone injurie, I came back on Dakar 2025 and made it till finish line. I’m really looking forward to start Dakar 2026 and it will became my participation number 10. Legend award it’s big honor for me, as it show up how much I love this sport and true friendship with my team mates and technical team. Can’t wait to start and become part of the Chinese emerge riders we got on the start line”
