The 46th edition is about to kick off, and among the favorites stands Nani Roma, a ruler of the desert realms. He returns to action after a year away due to cancer, stepping back into the dunes with a bold new pairing: M-Sport and Ford.
The only Spanish rider to win the Touareg cup in both disciplines, triumphing in motorcycle (2004) and car (2014) categories, now faces what could be his most meaningful Dakar yet, framed by a deeper personal challenge.
What did it feel like to watch the 2023 rally on television after completing 26 straight editions?
It felt odd. Hard to accept, since the rally has dominated much of a lifetime. Each year the New Year’s Eve moments were spent away from home, and suddenly there was a sense of being out of sync. He later found a role as a television commentator, but the feeling persisted. There were more urgent battles elsewhere. Even after finishing treatment and getting positive signs, the body wasn’t fully ready, making the idea of missing the rally tougher to bear.
Could resilience have begun with a fresh start and new equipment?
The course was incredibly tough, forcing a withdrawal. The body had to be rebuilt from the ground up, and cancer reminded him of human fragility. Even with a disciplined routine—training, avoiding smoking, steering clear of excess—cancer reminded him that life can defy expectations. A doctor’s visit for a suspected kidney issue uncovered a tumor, turning life upside down.
Laia Sanz: “It’s good to pave the way for women in Dakar”
Laura Lopez Albiac
How did she respond to the ordeal?
The blow arrived suddenly and left her momentarily shaken. Facing the unknown required steady resolve. She leaned on routines built during race preparation, keeping a notebook that mapped survival odds. Those odds looked bleak, yet turning fear into focus became essential. The path forward demanded responsibility to family and a relentless drive to compete again. Doctors questioned racing while treatment continued, but she reminded herself that keeping dreams alive is part of healing, and Dakar remained a goal.
The Ford project appeared as a timely gift.
Life had its share of ups and downs in two years. There was a moment of doubt when it felt finished, then the Wilson family reached out last October. They asked simply, “Are you okay?” and answered with, “Go ahead.” Trust was restored, and support came at a pivotal moment in her sport. That gesture highlighted contrasts within the industry—good pay does not erase the harsh realities of rehabilitation and personal loss, including a wife’s grief during the pandemic while commitments abroad continued.
Based on experience, what would she wish for in Dakar’s current format?
If possible, she would return to the classic long stages—800 kilometers, heavy navigation, endurance races requiring on-site mechanical work. The world has shifted, though. Shorter formats, similar to sprint segments in football or motorsport, cater to modern audiences who crave spectacle. The romance endures, even as the landscape changes.
Dakar, the best testing ground
What target was set for 2024?
The team is beginning a new chapter, with the upcoming generation Ford Ranger Raptor in 2025 on the horizon. The current car serves as a learning platform, miles stacking up and data flowing in at a faster pace. The team emphasizes the rally raid ethos, noting Ford’s limited cross-country experience and planning a year of preparation. Other outfits that believed victory would come quickly found the path tougher, underscoring the value of this phase.
Yet in Morocco, a podium finish in the Dakar dress rehearsal signaled progress…
It was encouraging, but not the whole story. There is no need for inflated expectations since the current vehicle is not yet at its peak. The dominant players—Audi, Hunter, Toyota—remain ahead on paper, but surprises can appear. The team understands Dakar’s demands well, and the tougher stretches have historically favored resilience. Success will hinge on steady progress and measured momentum.
How does this year’s tour look?
The opening days, set in the Empty Quarter and framed as a 48-hour marathon, will test strategic planning. The northern sections will pose challenges, and the penultimate segment is known for past incidents. The race remains unpredictable until the final stage, a reminder that Dakar places every contender in their rightful circle of doubt and determination.