Sofia welcomed one of the biggest world celebrities in motorsports – the five-time winner of the “Dakar“ rally, the indomitable Nasser Al-Attiyah. It was a privilege for our team to attend the meeting with this titan of desert racing, who not only delights fans in our country with his presence, but also raised the curtain on his new professional path and the team with which he will pursue his next title. His expression is that of a winner, and his enthusiasm – contagious.
The driver
The Qatari, who is known for his incredible talent for conquering the most difficult tracks, revealed in detail the challenges facing Dacia Sandriders - his new car, formed around the ambitious project of the Romanian brand. He spoke with passion about his new machine, the monster Sandrider, with which he will attack the legendary Dakar Rally and the World Rally-Raid Championship. From his very first words, Al-Attiyah made it clear that expectations are huge, and the goal is only one - victory.
There was unwavering determination in his eyes as he described how the team worked tirelessly to achieve maximum efficiency. In his words, the move to Dacia was a natural step in his career, reflecting the pursuit of new horizons and a hunger for competition. The new machine, built with the support of Prodrive engineers, is a true masterpiece of off-road technology, designed to overcome the merciless sand dunes and rocky terrain. The Sandrider prototype is on display at The Mall in Sofia, where every motorsports enthusiast can see it in the next few days.
The car
This car, which is practically the fastest Dacia, completely changes the perception of the Romanian brand and inspires immense respect from the very first sight. The Sandrider was developed specifically for the highest class in rally raid, FIA Ultimate T1+, and is the result of uncompromising engineering. The chassis is a tubular structure, providing exceptional strength and structural integrity, while the body is made of lightweight and durable carbon fiber, which contributes to reducing the overall weight.
The heart of this desert rocket is a 3.0-liter V6 engine from Nissan, equipped with a twin-turbocharger and a direct fuel injection system. This unit generates a maximum power of 265 kW (360 horsepower) at 5,000 rpm, and the impressive maximum torque reaches 539 Nm at 4,250 rpm. To be environmentally responsible, the machine is powered by a special synthetic fuel produced by Aramco.
The engine is positioned longitudinally in the front, which is optimal for balance and weight distribution. Power is transmitted to all four wheels via a 6-speed sequential gearbox, proven to be reliable in the toughest racing conditions, and the 4x4 drive system guarantees maximum traction on all surfaces.
Suspension is a critical element in rally raiding and Sandrider makes no compromises here. Double wishbones are used both front and rear, allowing for an exceptional suspension travel of 350 mm. This construction is key to absorbing the heavy bumps and irregularities on the track. The car rides on 17-inch alloy wheels shod with huge 37-inch BF Goodrich tires, specially designed for extreme off-road challenges.
The dimensions of the Dacia Sandrider are not that impressive, but the car is definitely respectable. The dimensions meet the requirements of the T1+ class: the length is 4,140 mm, the width reaches 2,290 mm, and the height is 1,810 mm. The wheelbase is precisely calculated at 3,000 mm to achieve stability at high speed and maneuverability in narrow and uneven areas. All these features are subordinated to one goal - to create the fastest and most durable Dacia, capable of overcoming any natural elements.
The meeting with Nasser Al-Attiyah in Bulgaria was undoubtedly one of the most exciting events for the local automotive community. The presentation of the Dacia Sandrider with its technical characteristics proves that the brand is entering the elite of motorsport with full force and ambition. We look forward to seeing how this "sand rider" will perform under the masterful control of the five-time champion in the next edition of the Dakar Rally.