The name Laia Sanz has become synonymous with perseverance. For twenty years she has shone across trials and enduro racing, amassing a record of 20 world championships and preparing to tackle her 14th Dakar Rally, her third in a car. After a productive stage that left a mark on motorcycle history with a ninth-place overall in 2015, the Corbera-born rider (born in 1985) finished every race and proved her versatility by taking to four wheels. She will start on January 5 aboard the Astara Team buggy in the two-wheel-drive T1 category.
What can be said about this project?
The team is continuing its collaboration with Astara, with Maurizio Gerini as a co-pilot and the ongoing support of sponsors. This time, however, the opportunities appear brighter. The last edition presented a series of goals achieved one after another, but the journey yielded a bittersweet sentiment. The latest vehicle, a 4×2 drive, represents the most recent evolution, and the Morocco tests were encouraging. The long-term aim remains to drive a car in the top category, T1+, yet progress is made in measured steps that reflect this year’s careful planning.
Has securing a deal this year been more challenging?
Budget and sponsorship pressures for Dakar are increasingly intense. The landscape shifts quickly, and social media plays a larger role than ever. Yet the team members can report improved preparation this year, having connected earlier and approached training with greater calm. The goal is to repay the trust of supporters with a strong Dakar performance.
After eleven Dakar appearances on a motorcycle, is it clear whether the focus is now on automobiles?
Advancement is difficult without official team support. Competing at Dakar without a season-long ride puts a driver at a disadvantage against rivals who have completed multiple events. Still, the experience accumulated over years is recognized as a valuable asset. Expect a careful approach to reach T1+ and a continued pursuit of excellence, much like the early days when obtaining official status as a Honda or KTM rider on two wheels seemed improbable but was achieved through perseverance. The driver remains committed to continual growth and improvement.
Does being a woman influence sponsorship opportunities?
It offers both benefits and challenges. On one side, a woman can stand out in a field that still sees Dakar participants as a rarity, creating a memorable impact. On the other, sponsors demand demonstrable competitiveness and results, not just representation. The path demands tangible performance, and the driver’s results are the main currency of respect. There are more women in car roles, yet resources can be uneven, and visibility often creates a cycle that is hard to break.
What objective was established given the circumstances?
Finishing is the plain aim, but this year’s intention goes beyond merely crossing the line. While the team delivered strong stages, various issues impeded progress in past runs. The focus is on consistent speed and dependable performance, with a preference for standout stages and a satisfactory overall result rather than a hollow finish.
How is the route for the 46th edition viewed?
The Dakar has regained momentum after periods of lower interest, and expectations are high. The organization has signaled that the route could push the event to new limits in Arabia. A demanding 48-hour marathon stage awaits, along with extended routes through the Empty Quarter. Sand dunes pose a particular challenge for a rear-wheel-drive car, and the aim is to maintain pace and resilience, even when the path becomes brutal. The broader view is that this edition will demand more from drivers, yet the chance to perform at a higher level is real.
Is there nostalgia for motorcycle racing?
There is a touch of longing for the atmosphere and the family feel of the camp, but the living truth is a deep enthusiasm for the sands. When rocky stages appear, both the driver and Maurizio—who competes on an off-road motorcycle—recognize the shift from the old arena to the new. The sentiment is a sincere desire to challenge the terrain, even if the preference lies with the current car-driven adventure.
What is the current perspective on women’s sport?
Overall progress is evident. The surge of attention in football underscores that women can compete at the highest levels across disciplines, though it sometimes creates a misperception that women’s sports are a recent phenomenon. Many athletes have fought long and hard to reach this point, and the broader movement is gaining momentum.
How does the sports world respond to the Rubiales controversy?
The situation drew a lot of political discussion, and that noise often distracted from the core achievement—the team’s performance on the world stage. The focus remains on the athletes and their results rather than the surrounding drama.
What message would be offered to young women aiming for motorsport leadership by following a path similar to this one?
Pursue passion with persistence. The excitement of Dakar is for those who commit to the craft and dream big. Today there are more women involved in every facet of the sport—from driving to engineering and mechanics—proving that progress is tangible. The journey is about capability and contribution, not background alone. The truth is simple: when you love something, pursue it with everything you have. The current generation of Dakar participants proves that women can break barriers not just in competition but in the technical and leadership roles that keep the sport moving.
Do you feel like a pioneer in the Dakar story?
The sense is that the path has widened for those who follow. Beginning as an outlier, the driver now sees a broader, more normalized presence of women in the Dakar ecosystem. It is rewarding to think that a previous path has opened doors for successors, and the ongoing evolution remains a testament to perseverance and shared ambition.