Prodrive Seeks New Manufacturer Partner After Dacia Exits Dakar Rally

British motorsport team Prodrive is in talks with up to three manufacturers about competing in the Dakar Rally following Dacia's decision to withdraw from the World Rally-Raid Championship. The discussions represent a significant shift for Prodrive, which has managed Dacia's factory programme since its launch. Dakar winner Nasser Al-Attiyah and Dacia claimed victory at the 2025 edition, yet the Renault Group brand announced its exit before the season concluded.

Dacia's Early Exit Reshapes Prodrive's Strategy

Dacia's withdrawal marked an unexpected end to what was originally designed as a three-year commitment. The announcement came amid broader changes to Renault's motorsport investments across multiple disciplines. Prodrive, given several months' notice, has moved swiftly to identify potential replacement partners for the manufacturer role.

Prodrive boss David Richards confirmed active negotiations with prospective manufacturers and outlined a timeline for announcements. "We're looking at a long term plan at the moment," Richards stated. "We're not in a position to announce anything yet, but I would hope by the latter part of the summer, we'll be talking about what we're doing in next year's Dakar, and probably by the end of the year, we'll be able to announce the longer term plan."

The Sandrider Platform and Development Flexibility

Richards noted that the existing Sandrider vehicle—the prototype Prodrive built specifically for Dacia's entry into cross-country rallying—can be adapted for a new manufacturer without substantial delays. The current regulations allow manufacturers to modify technical specifications while maintaining the fundamental platform, with bodywork serving as the primary distinguishing feature. This flexibility reduces the development timeline for any incoming automaker.

The Sandrider, which Richards described as a "racing car for the desert," has already approached the performance ceiling within current regulatory constraints. While scope for additional development exists, the team operates near technical limits imposed by World Rally-Raid Championship rules. Prodrive continues its separate partnership with Jaguar Land Rover on the Defender programme, which is expected to extend for several years.