The Dakar Rally is much more than just a race; it is a modern-day epic where drivers and co-drivers brave hostile terrains, face extreme weather conditions, and push their limits. Since its inception in 1978, this legendary event has been dominated by men. Statistics show that less than 3% of Dakar participants are women, but these trailblazers continually prove they belong in this competition. In 2025, an impressive group of women is ready to write a new chapter in the history of this iconic race.
Cristina Gutiérrez and Pablo Moreno: A Champion Duo
Cristina Gutiérrez has already made Dakar history by becoming the second woman to win a category, following Jutta Kleinschmidt in 2001. A dentist by profession and a passionate driver, the Spaniard returns in 2025 with her co-driver, Pablo Moreno. Together, they form a formidable team in the Auto category. Having won the T3 category in 2024 and claimed victory on several stages, Cristina is aiming for another podium finish this year.
Puck Klaasen and Chaaran Moore: Europe Meets Africa
Puck Klaasen, from the Netherlands, and her South African co-driver Chaaran Moore embody the union of two continents in their quest for self-improvement. Puck, a former European rally champion, brings experience and determination, while Chaaran, an expert in African terrains, perfectly complements the team. Their participation in the Dakar 2025 is an opportunity to show that diversity and teamwork transcend borders.
Dania Akeel and Stéphane Duple: A Force from the Middle East
Dania Akeel, the first Saudi woman to compete in the Dakar, made a strong impression during her debut in 2022 by finishing in the top 10 of her category. In 2024 she made history by becoming the first woman to win the FIA Middle East Baja Cup. Along with her French co-driver Stéphane Duple, she returns more determined than ever. Together, they aim to conquer the dunes and inspire a new generation of women in the Middle East.
Annett Quandt and Annie Seel: A German-Swedish Alliance
German driver Annett Quandt teams up with a Dakar legend: Swedish co-driver Annie Seel. Annie, who has competed in numerous editions both on motorcycles and in cars, brings her expertise to this promising team. Their complementary skills and experience make them serious contenders for the podium.
Maria Gameiro and José Marquez: The Beginning of a New Adventure
Portuguese driver Maria Gameiro is making her Dakar debut in 2025, accompanied by her experienced co-driver José Marquez. Although new to this competition, Maria is no stranger to the challenges of rallying. Her passion and energy, combined with José’s skills, could make them the surprise team of this edition.
Sara Price and Sean Berriman: Americans in Force
Sara Price, a former motocross champion and SSV category driver, returns for her second Dakar appearance. Sara made an impression at her debut at the race, becoming the first female American driver and third woman ever to win a stage. With Sean Berriman as her co-driver, this American duo aims to make their country proud. Their meticulous preparation and strong partnership promise a solid performance.
Anja Van Loon: The Rally Dynasty
As a member of the renowned Van Loon family, Anja has not relied solely on her famous name. A talented driver, she has carved out her place in the rally world through perseverance and impressive performances. For this edition, she hopes to prove she belongs among the best.
Barbora Holická and Lucie Engova: Ambassadors of Eastern Europe
Hailing from the Czech Republic, Barbora Holická and her co-driver Lucie Engova are rising stars in their region's rallying scene. They embody the determination and courage needed to tackle the challenges of the Dakar. Their journey is closely followed by fans eager to see them shine on the desert tracks.
Aliyyah Koloc and Sébastien Delaunay: A Young Contender
At only 20 years old, Aliyyah Koloc is set to make her third appearance at Dakar having previously finished 33rd in the T3 category in 2023 and 17th in the T1 in 2024. She’s excited to have her seasoned co-driver, Sébastien Delaunay, back alongside and hopes to make another improvement this year.
Laia Sanz and Maurizio Gerini: Seasoned on the Sand
Laia Sanz has an impressive record, having competed at Dakar every year since her debut in 2011 and completed every race she took part in. Having won the female category in all 11 appearances on two wheels she’s proved she’s just as formidable on four. She’ll be driving alongside her co-driver Maurizio Gerini, and believes they have the pace to one day surprise.
Lidia Ruba Cuartero and Juan Morera: The Husband/Wife Team
Lidia Ruba Cuartero has competed as her husband, Juan Morera’s co-pilot in the Classic class at Dakar since 2022. The married couple won their category in 2023, having secured several stage wins and podiums, and hope they can repeat that success this year.
Sandra Rivière, Séverine Lehoux and Aurore Valaize: The All-Women Crew
After skipping Dakar 2024, Ecurie Frères d'Armes are returning to compete in the Classic with a new assistance truck piloted by an all-woman crew. Team owner Sandra Rivière is back driving, accompanied by co-driver Séverine Lehoux and mechanic Aurore Valaize, two wounded soldiers. The team’s goal is to get both crews across the finish line.
Sandra Gomez: A Determined Rider
A fierce competitor in the Hard Enduro World Championship, Sandra Gomez is making her third appearance at Dakar. She achieved her dream of racing in the dunes in 2022 where she finished second in the women’s classification, but failed to finish in 2023 due to mechanical issues. After finishing as the top female rider at the 2024 Morocco Rally she’s determined to repeat that success in Dakar.
Fabrizia Pons and Luciano Carcheri: A Rally Legend
A rally co-driving legend, Fabrizia Pons has famously paired with Michèle Mouton and Jutta Kleinschmidt, two other inspirational women of motorsport. Her skills brought her a highest finish of third co-piloting Jutta in 2005. After saying she was "never coming back" during the Dakar Classic 2024, she now returns alongside driver Luciano Carcheri.
Souad Mouktadiri and Vincent Ferri: A Moroccan History Maker
Souad Mouktadiri is set to make her first appearance at Dakar and make history in the process, becoming the first Moroccan woman to start the Dakar Rally. With her love of racing in the desert, she’s determined to get the Moroccan flag on the podium.
Valentina Pertegarini and Nicolas Cavigliasso: The Rally-Raid Champion
In 2024, with only two Dakar rallies and two full seasons in W2RC to her name, Valnetina Pertegarini took a landmark victory for women in motorsport, becoming the first woman to win the World Rally-Raid Co-Driver Championship. She returns to Dakar with her husband Nicolas Cavigliasso who hopes third time’s the charm for the pair.
Olga Lounová, Igor Pazdera and Milan Holan: The Singing Rallyer
One of the Czech Republic’s most popular singer songwriters, Olga Lounová is also a top rally driver and co-driver. Having received a fairly last minute call to co-drive alongside Igor Pazdera and Milan Holan, she says she couldn’t refuse the unexpected offer to take on the dunes again.
Elena Borroni and Luciano Montorfano: From Office to Off-Road
Mainly used to handling the logistics of Officine Montorfano, Elena Borroni has also adapted to navigating Luciano Montorfano’s rally adventures. With them both being Dakar rookies, they’re focussing on finishing the race and enjoying the journey.
Lucie Baud and Lionel Baud: A Father and Daughter Duo
Lucie Baud’s rallying career started in 2014, at just 16 years old, navigating for her father Lionel Baud at the Ronde du Jura. He recognised her talent immediately, which she proved on becoming the French Gravel Champion in 2019, 2022 and 2023. Having made her Dakar debut in 2024, Lucie is excited to return to the desert and achieve the best result possible.
Tessa and Dave Klaassen: From Designer to Dakar
Graphic Designer Tessa Klaassen’s love for husband Dave is what led to her love of motorsport and rally, joining him as co-driver across several countries. 2023 saw their first appearance at Dakar where Dave proposed to Tessa on the podium. They’ve returned this year as husband and wife, ready to take on the dunes again.
Taye Perry and Corbin Leaverton: Rookie to Rally Star
Taye Perry made a remarkable first impression on her debut at Dakar in 2020, earning respect for her impressive 77th place finish on the bike. She returns this year for her fourth Dakar rally, co-driving for rookie Corbin Leaverton.
Delpine Delfino and Jean-Luc Ceccaldi: A Rally Enthusiast
Delphine Delfino couldn’t see herself waiting at home for her husband, Max, while he competed as a rally driver and decided she also wanted the adrenaline of competing. A passionate athlete, she competed in 14 rallies in 2024 alone and returns to Dakar with driver Jean-Luc Ceccaldi.
Francesca Gasperi and Agostino Rizzardi: Chasing Dreams at Dakar
A rookie at the Dakar Rally, Francesca Gasperi’s motto is “never stop dreaming”. After many experiences on bikes she’ll be taking on this challenge in a car and putting her navigation skills to the test with driver Agostino Rizzardi.
Maria Vittoria Dalla Rosa Prati and Guido Dalla Rosa: A Family Adventure
Inspired by her “crazy, adventurous family”, Maria Vittoria is excited to take on her first Dakar alongside her father Guido Dalla Rosa. As well as driving through the desert she looks forward to the whole experience and adventure the Dakar Rally offers.
Lisette Bakker and Marinus Theodorus Streppel: A Childhood Dream
From a child staying up late to watch the Dakar on TV to taking on her first race in 2023, Lisette Bakker is ready for the challenge. Winner of the FIA Women’s Cross Country Selection, she’s become one of the top co-drivers in the off-road scene. Returning to Dakar this year to co-drive for Marinus Theodorus Streppel, she’s determined to go after the finisher’s medal that escaped her two years ago.
Marion Andrieu, Alexandre Lemeray and Fabien Lecaplain: A New Chapter at Dakar
Influenced by her father Philippe’s time competing at Dakar and inspired by women making a name for themselves in motorsport, Marion Andrieu followed in their footsteps. Starting her career at 18 alongside her father she went on to become the French champion of T2 off-road rallies in 2016. Having completed her first kilometers of the Dakar Rally driving photographers from 2021-2024, Marion makes her debut this year alongside driver Alexandre Lemeray and mechanic Fabien Lecaplain.
Christine Bernard and Bruno Delagneau: From Dentistry to the Dunes
From a young age Christine Bernard was fascinated by the adventures of the Dakar Rally. An interest that started as a 15 year old watching the race on television, she’d go on to experience her first car competition, the Rallye des Gazelles, in 2022. Now she takes on the dunes of Dakar for the first time with medical school friend and co-pilot Bruno Delagneuau alongside.
Stéphanie Wante and Christophe Berteloot: Rally-Raid Rookie
Stéphanie Wante is a specialist in historic rally co-driving but this year’s Dakar will be her first experience of rally-raid. She and driver Christophe Berteloot have already experienced victory together and believe they can be competitive in the desert.
Myriam Manzoni and Ugo Bullesi: A Passionate Pair
Myriam Manzoni and her life partner Ugo Bullesi made their Dakar debut in 2024, securing an impressive 52nd podium finish. The pair are back with the Mitsubishi Pajero, nicknamed “the Pillar”, focussing on consistency and reliability, and ambitions for a stage win.
Julia Colman and Ludovic Wood: An Adventurous Spirit
Adventure runs in Julia’s veins. Her life has been spent competing in sport and living across the globe. She and her husband Ludovic Wood have spent over a decade competing in some of the most demanding historic rallies in the world, including Beijing-Paris, Road to Mandalay, Sahara Challenge, Himalayan Challenge. Now, for the first time, she’ll take on the Dakar Rally.
Sandra Guasch Planells and Matias Rodriquez Martin: One Dakar, Two Hearts
Sandra Guasch Planells and her husband Marias do everything together, from high school sweethearts, to business partners, to debut at Dakar together in 2024. They return this year for another adventure in the desert, together.
Monica Buonamano and Francesco Pece: An Appetite for Off-Road
With more than three decades experience as a navigator, Monica Buonamano has ventured through deserts from Tunisia to Saudi Arabia. Back in the desert to take on her third Dakar she says that although her “heart beats for off-road events” but that her “real passion is the Dakar”.
Corinne and David Cupers: Duo in the Desert
Corinne Cupers and her husband David are back for their second Dakar Rally after an impressive 15th overall finish on their debut at the race in 2023. Their main goal this year is to finish and hope to better their previous result.
Irene Saderini, Giuseppe Simonato and Alessio Bentivoglio: A Dream on the Dunes
Growing up in South Tyrol, Irene Saderini developed a passion for the great outdoors. With experience riding enduro bikes she’d dreamed of tackling the Dakar Rally on a bike, but makes her debut this year navigating a truck for driver Gisueppe Simonato.
Lourdes Puigmal, Dorian Bardeau and Franck Puchouau: From Calculations to Competing
Although this year will be Lourdes Puigmal’s first time at Dakar, she’s no stranger to the race with her husband running Be Racing, an SSV Team. With a background as an economist and a dream of racing at Dakar, she’s ready to embrace the challenge.
Elisa Huguenin and Aurélien Bouchet: A New Experience
Working as a medical radiology technician, Elisa Huguenin makes her Dakar Rally debut alongside her husband Aurélien Bouchet. It was from his encouragement she first started competing in rally-raids which she quickly grew to enjoy. Her aim for the race is to learn and enjoy.
Alexia Giugni and Marco Ernesto Leva: Conquering the Desert
A motorsport enthusiast, Alexia Giugni is used to sharing her passion with her family. Her daughter is often her co-pilot but when it comes to Dakar she pairs up with her husband Marco Leva. They showed their consistency in 2024, becoming a prominent duo in the top 10, and hope to better those results and conquer the desert on their third visit to the dunes.
The Dakar 2025 marks a significant milestone in female participation. These women, from diverse backgrounds, demonstrate that passion, endurance, and talent transcend gender. By facing the extreme challenges of this race, they inspire not only women in motorsport but anyone dreaming of pushing their limits.