Top Indian rally driver Sanjay Takale returned home from Saudi Arabia after making motorsports history as the first Indian driver to finish the 2025 Dakar Rally in the Classic cars category. This groundbreaking achievement places Takale in a rare club of Indians who completed Dakar on their maiden attempt.
Takale was welcomed by a huge crowd at Pune Airport with the sounds of drums, garlands and a jubilant reception. Friends and motorsports fans gathered to celebrate, dancing and shouting slogans. A special reception in his honour was held on Sunday.
About the competition:
Along with French co-driver Maxime Raud, the duo represented the Compagnie Saharienne team in the Dakar Classic cars section, a Regularity TSD event. Takale finished fifth in the final stage with zero penalty points, capping his Dakar journey of 14 stages. He secured an Overall 18th position among 96 cars and a commendable 11th place in his class. Notably, Takale achieved an impressive seventh position (P7) in Stages 3 and 7, along with three top-11 finishes in Stages 8, 9 and 11.
As part of the French Historic Rally Team, Takale raced in a Toyota Land Cruiser HZJ78 in the Classic class, becoming the first Indian to race and finish the Dakar Classic in cars.
Background:
Born on February 2, 1968, Takale is a pioneer in Indian motorsport. Starting his career in motocross in the 1980s, he later transitioned to rallying in cars, earning accolades such as the 2013 Asia-Pacific Production Cup Championship. His international achievements include competing in the World Rally Championship (WRC) and representing India at the FIA Motorsport Games, where he secured an eighth-place finish in his first tarmac rally.
'Unforgettable journey'
"This has been an unforgettable journey," Takale said, adding, "Dakar is the ultimate challenge in motorsport, and finishing it is a dream come true. I am deeply grateful to my team, my co-driver Maxime Raud, and Aerpace for their unwavering support. I hope this achievement inspires more Indians to take on the global motorsport stage."
Takale's performance in the 2025 Dakar Rally is a historic milestone in Indian motorsports. It is hoped that this success will inspire more Indians to excel on the global stage.
