“I feel as motivated as I did for my first Dakar”
RIDER FACTS
- Zhao Hongyi has become a familiar face on the Dakar since 2017, when he made his debut in the bikes 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.
- 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 8 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.
2025 AMBITIONS
Z.H.: “Last year I had a slow crash but I broke my collarbone, so I obviously didn't make it to the finish line. Coming back in 2025 I feel as motivated as I did for my very first Dakar in 2017. I've been in the same team since my Dakar project began, and I always enjoy this event with my teammates. I'm really looking forward to another 48h Chrono stage this year; it's sure to be an amazing experience to share with the team. I want to enjoy my ninth appearance as much as possible and make it to the finish. I've been really busy with work this season so there are lots of highlights, but I have to say that covering the FIM Motocross World Championship in China was an amazing experience. The level of the riders right now is seriously impressive. Motorsport in China is growing every year, and I'm really proud to be part of that project with our rally school.”
