“Dakar is all about keep fighting despite the difficulties”
En bref
A.S.
- Alexander Schmidt has previously competed in autocross and classic rally events. This background helped him secure a place in the 2025 Dakar Classic bivouac, following a recommendation from Jorg Sand of the Volkel team.
- The 60-year-old German competitor is not only a skilled driver but also a mechanical engineering specialist, capable of diagnosing and repairing issues as they arise. His mechanical expertise is a clear asset in such a demanding adventure, especially as he also provides technical assistance for Volkel’s vehicles on track.
- For the second consecutive year, Alexander will drive one of the two Mercedes 2636 trucks fielded by the team. Powered with an engine capacity up to 10 liters, the big beast is no stranger to major events: it previously competed in the Dakar, and also in the 2012 Silk Way Rally where it achieved first place in its class.
D.L.
- At 29 years old, Daniel Lortscher is already an accomplished mechanic, running a garage with his brother. Yet his world extends beyond the Swiss mountains: as a freelance mechanic, he works on racing circuits, providing support for exceptional machines such as the Maserati MC12 GT1 and historic Formula 1 cars like the McLaren MP4/3 or the Ferrari 639.
- This son of the Simmental Valley didn’t plan to take part in the Dakar Classic. In early November, his colleague Antonio Perdicchia (AP Racing Support GmbH) called him with the proposal, after a mechanic had unexpectedly withdrawn. But Daniel had to face a deep personal loss, as his father passed away. His first instinct was to stay close to his family during this painful moment. But it was precisely his family, united and deeply supportive, who encouraged him to go.
- Desert racing is not something new to Daniel. He has already experienced it while driving the Panda Raid in Morocco. His CV also includes other prestigious events, such as the Tour de Corse, working behind the scenes as a mechanic. That is once again the role he will embrace for this first Dakar experience: quietly, tirelessly, and with the same passion that has guided him from his home valley to the world’s most demanding races.
Ambition
A.S.
“The last Dakar Rally was extremely intense and educational. There were many tough stages, long days in the truck, and some unexpected situations that demanded everything from us. What I remember most is the team spirit and the moments when we were able to keep fighting despite the difficulties. That's what the Dakar is all about for me. My goal for the 2026 edition is to be more consistent and strategic. I want to have a clean race without major mistakes, finish with technical reliability, and take a step forward in terms of performance. At the same time, I want to continue gaining experience and take the team to an even higher level in the long term. We will use the same truck, the basic setup will remain familiar but we're working specifically on improvements in reliability, chassis, and ergonomics to be better prepared for the extreme conditions.”
“The last Dakar Rally was extremely intense and educational. There were many tough stages, long days in the truck, and some unexpected situations that demanded everything from us. What I remember most is the team spirit and the moments when we were able to keep fighting despite the difficulties. That's what the Dakar is all about for me. My goal for the 2026 edition is to be more consistent and strategic. I want to have a clean race without major mistakes, finish with technical reliability, and take a step forward in terms of performance. At the same time, I want to continue gaining experience and take the team to an even higher level in the long term. We will use the same truck, the basic setup will remain familiar but we're working specifically on improvements in reliability, chassis, and ergonomics to be better prepared for the extreme conditions.”
D.L.
“It is a very last-minute participation. At the beginning of November, my colleague Antonio Perdicchia from AP Racing Support Switzerland called me and asked if I'd be interested in doing it, as the other mechanic had dropped out. I couldn't say no and accepted. Unfortunately, my father passed away at the age of 59. At first, I wanted to cancel at the last minute and take care of my mother. But my family told me I should go because that's what my father would want. He was a huge motorsport fan and had always supported me. I'm especially grateful to my girlfriend Ivana and my brother Marc for looking after my mother during the Dakar Rally. My expectations are huge, and I'm really looking forward to it. My goal is to reach the finish line and fix all the defects. Giving up is not an option!”
“It is a very last-minute participation. At the beginning of November, my colleague Antonio Perdicchia from AP Racing Support Switzerland called me and asked if I'd be interested in doing it, as the other mechanic had dropped out. I couldn't say no and accepted. Unfortunately, my father passed away at the age of 59. At first, I wanted to cancel at the last minute and take care of my mother. But my family told me I should go because that's what my father would want. He was a huge motorsport fan and had always supported me. I'm especially grateful to my girlfriend Ivana and my brother Marc for looking after my mother during the Dakar Rally. My expectations are huge, and I'm really looking forward to it. My goal is to reach the finish line and fix all the defects. Giving up is not an option!”
