Prodrive in talks with multiple manufacturers after Dacia's Dakar exit

Prodrive is in talks with multiple manufacturers after Dacia’s Dakar exit, seeking a new long-term partner for the 2027 Dakar Rally. The company is discussing with up to three manufacturers following Dacia’s decision to leave the World Rally-Raid Championship at the end of the current season, ending a planned three-year programme. Dacia’s pullout came after Nasser Al-Attiyah won the 48th Dakar Rally in January driving for the brand. Prodrive chief David Richards said the team is working with Jaguar Land Rover on the Defender programme, which will continue for several years, while it also looks for a replacement for Dacia in both the short and longer term. Richards said the existing Sandrider, built after a major overhaul of the Hunter prototype for Dakar 2025, could be modified for another manufacturer because the car’s core formula would remain largely the same under current regulations. He added the prototype is close to its performance ceiling. Any decision could also affect drivers, including Al-Attiyah, Sebastien Loeb, Lucas Moraes and Cristina Gutierrez.