Sanjay Takale Creates History with Prologue Stage Win at Dakar Rally 2026

Yanbu (Saudi Arabia), Jan 2026 : Indian motorsport witnessed a landmark moment on Saturday as ace rally driver Sanjay Takale delivered an exceptional performance in the Prologue Stage of the Dakar Rally 2026, finishing first in the high average speed Group H3 of the Dakar Classic category and securing 35th position overall in the Cars category. The achievement marks the first time an Indian competitor has stood on the Dakar podium in the Cars category on the opening day of the iconic rally.

The Prologue Stage, which determines the starting order for subsequent stages and does not count towards the final overall classification, saw Takale dominate his class against a strong international field. Driving Car No. 722, Takale expertly piloted his Toyota HDJ 100 across a combined distance of 96 km, comprising a 22-km Special Stage and a 74-km Liaison, showcasing speed, precision and composure.

Takale finished ahead of seasoned competitors from Europe, underlining his growing stature in global rallying. Spain’s José Sole and Sergio Cerezo claimed second place in the H3 class in their Mitsubishi Montero, while fellow Spaniard Raúl Ortiz finished third driving a Toyota RAV4. The strong showing by Takale not only highlighted his driving skill but also India’s rising presence in international motorsport.

The Dakar Rally 2026 marks Takale’s second appearance at the world’s toughest rally raid. His performance in the Prologue reflects the experience gained during his debut campaign in 2025, where he finished an impressive 18th overall and 10th in the Dakar Classic category. At 57, Takale continues to defy age and expectations, steadily building a competitive edge against some of the best rally drivers in the world.

Following his Prologue triumph, Takale will have the honour—and challenge—of opening the road in Stage 1, which runs from Yanbu to Yanbu. The stage features a demanding 305-km Special Stage, testing competitors with complex navigation, fast sections and technical dune driving, setting the tone for the gruelling days ahead.

Takale is competing under the banner of Team Aerpace Racers, with experienced French navigator Maxime Raud by his side. The team is receiving technical and logistical support from Compagnie Saharienne of France, ensuring strong operational backing throughout the rally.

In the motorcycle category, India’s leading rally-raid rider Harith Noah also began his campaign in the 48th edition of the Dakar Rally, marking his seventh participation in the legendary event.

Widely regarded as the ultimate test of endurance, skill and mental toughness, the Dakar Rally continues to push competitors to their limits. With his commanding Prologue performance, Sanjay Takale has firmly announced India’s arrival on the global rallying stage and raised expectations for the stages to come.

Team Maverick.