As soon as the sun rose on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, spectators were already flocking to Santa Susanna to admire the vehicles of the Dakar 2026. An international sports destination, this seaside town on the Costa del Maresme has been transformed this week into a real capital of rally-raid, hosting the traditional administrative and technical checks of the race.
A key moment for the participants, these verifications mark the culmination of long months – sometimes years – of work and preparation. The machines have been given the green light to head for Saudi Arabia by sea, and will be reunited with their owners in early January. They were not the only attractions of the day: the public was also able to meet many of the Spanish competitors and Dakar celebrities who had made the trip (see Statements).
Invited to go on stage, the future participants discovered a detailed version of the route. The race director, David Castera, presented the 13 stages of this48th edition one by one, revealing the major characteristics between atypical landscapes, technical difficulties and striking novelties. A presentation that aroused enthusiasm and the eagerness to be on January 3rd.
Carried by the popular effervescence, the event was a great success, with the competitors evoking a “magical” atmosphere. It confirms the essential place of Spain in the rally-raid landscape. Crossed by 14 editions of the Dakar, the country is the second largest reservoir of nationalities in the race (104 participants in 2025). With its emblematic promenade, its charm between the sea and the mountains and its roots in the world of sport, Santa Susanna offered an exceptional setting for this great celebration, combining passion for motor sports, conviviality and enthusiasm of the public.
STATEMENTS:
Joan Campolier Montsant, Mayor of Santa Susanna: “The arrival of the Dakar Rally Checks in Santa Susanna confirms the organisational capacity of our city and the quality of its infrastructure. We are delighted to welcome the world’s largest rally-raid race to our home and to collaborate on this key stage before the start of the competition. This achievement reinforces the international influence of our destination and demonstrates our desire to host major events of global scope.”
David Castera, director of the Dakar: “This moment of the Dakar is a first major event: the competitors drop off their vehicles, they have a month of preparation left and they are starting to get into the truth of the Dakar. The adrenaline has risen a notch and this48th edition is becoming more and more concrete. The event was a great success, everything worked well, the reception was extraordinary and the public was present. It is also thanks to the city of Santa Susanna, which was able to meet the challenge brilliantly. The vehicles will now head to Saudi Arabia, and the competitors are eager to join them. So are we!”
Laia Sanz, Ebro Motorsport Ultimate driver: “We had a spectacular day. There is a lot of passion for the Dakar in Catalonia and Spain. Racing went through this years ago, and I’m delighted that so many people and friends came to see the competitors and the vehicles. We have the best audience in the world! The race changed two years ago and I think it will be difficult again, but that’s what the Dakar is all about: it has to be full of adventures. This 2026 edition is looking very good.”
Tosha Schareina, Monster Energy Honda HRC RallyGP rider: “It is an honour that the Dakar RallyGP checks are being held in Spain. It doesn’t look like it’s been almost a year since we left, we’re already back and I can’t wait for it to start. After my victory at the Rallye du Maroc, everyone is ready and motivated. The organization always makes it difficult, so we expect to enjoy and suffer, also because there will be these two marathon stages where we will have to sleep in tents again, with the minimum necessary.”
Eidre Esteve, Repsol Toyota Rally Team driver in Ultimate: “I’m very happy that the Dakar came here for the checks and the presentation. We are in a territory where there are many Dakar enthusiasts and it’s a great gift for them. I’m very happy to be here and to have shared this with them. This Dakar will be very long. I know David Castera well: when he says that it will be easy, it is not the case, and when he says that it will be difficult, then it will be very hard! (laughs) Tough but extraordinary, that’s for sure.”
Lorenzo Santolino, Sherco Rally Factory RallyGP driver: “The adventure begins! It was a beautiful day, like the start of Dakar. Thank you to all the people who came to see the competitors and the vehicles. Now, we can’t wait for the month of December to pass to be there! This Dakar will surely be very demanding, as in previous years, with a lot of kilometres and stones. It will be a physical test and we will have to arrive well prepared.”
Pau Navarro, BBR Motorsport Challenger driver: “I think it’s the first time I’ve seen so many people at this event, so first of all I want to thank everyone who came to Santa Susanna to witness this. My navigator and I are among the youngest competitors, and having the opportunity to compete in the Dakar is delightful. As in previous years, we will enjoy each stage, each kilometer as if it were the last.”
Javi Vega, Pont Grup – Kove driver in Rally2, Original by Motul category: “There is still a month of preparation before the Dakar, and the fact that we are here, we feel the stress rising! Many people came from Barcelona and the surrounding area, in this city of Santa Susanna which is very motivated. That’s great. I’m expecting a Dakar with stones, but we Spaniards are better in it than in the sand. Let’s see how it will go!”
Armand Montleon, Toyota Gazoo Racing W2RC Ultimate Navigator: “It’s really a pleasure to make this presentation here in Santa Susanna. The 2026 season promises to be an emotional one, starting with the Dakar in January. The course will include navigation, with separate routes between cars and motorcycles. I’m happy that the organisation is giving us these two marathon stages, because it keeps the spirit of the Dakar alive and I think that’s important.”
Gerard Farrés, Pedrega Team SSV driver: “Today reminds me of when I was young and I saw the Dakar in Barcelona. To be able to be here in Santa Susanna, with this public who came to take pictures and see the drivers, it’s magical. Kudos to the organization and Santa Susanna for putting this in place, and adding emotion to it. The course of a Dakar is always complicated, we know Saudi Arabia: stones and sand! It will be a difficult race and I don’t want to look too far ahead, but think about the first stage and take it one day at a time.”
