Cristina Gutiérrez, the renowned rally driver from Spain, has solidified her commitment with Dacia by extending her contract until 2027. This announcement was made on June 10, coinciding with the brand's strategic plans for the upcoming Dakar Rally in 2026 and 2027.
The extension not only includes Gutiérrez but also her navigator, Pablo Moreno, as they prepare to tackle the challenging terrains of the prestigious Dakar Rally. Dacia confirmed that the agreement encompasses participation in the 2026 Dakar Rally, alongside two additional events on the 2026 World Rally Raid Championship (W2RC) calendar, which notably includes the Rally of Morocco.
After recently achieving their third podium finish in the W2RC season, the Dacia Sandriders team is in high spirits. Gutiérrez expressed her enthusiasm about the renewed contract, stating, "Extending our contract with the Dacia Sandriders is one of the highlights of my career, just as it was when I first signed with the team. It’s extremely rewarding to be able to continue this adventure, as the team trusts us and pushes us to constantly improve."
Her perspective highlights the strong bond she shares with the Dacia team, which aims to break new ground in rally-raid competitions. Gutiérrez is keen on making history with Dacia, emphasizing, "Our dream is to make history with Dacia and help the team achieve its goal: winning the Dakar. This is also our goal, and we will dedicate ourselves fully to it with this exceptional team."
Tiphanie Isnard, director of the Dacia Sandriders team, echoed Gutiérrez's sentiments, noting the dedication and potential of the crew. "We are very happy to continue our collaboration with Cristina and Pablo. It is the logical and deserved continuation of the exemplary work they have accomplished, both in racing and in development. They form a high-performing and inspiring crew, who never give up and always give their all,” said Isnard.
As the rally landscape becomes increasingly competitive, Gutiérrez's extended partnership with Dacia signals a promising future for both the driver and the team. With the Dakar Rally looming on the horizon, the stakes are high, and the team's recent success bolsters their ambitions for upcoming events.
In closing, Gutiérrez and the Dacia team are set to continue their remarkable journey in rally-raid racing, and fans eagerly await their performance in the 2026 season. With shared goals and a collaborative spirit, the Sandriders look forward to making a mark in the world of motorsport.
