Sanjay Takale Wins H3 Stage 1 At Dakar Rally 2026

India etched its name in Dakar Rally history in 2026 as Sanjay Takale became the first Indian to win a stage in the four-wheel category. This landmark achievement followed a strong start to his campaign, beginning with an impressive Prologue run where he topped the Group H3 category and secured 35th overall in the Cars classification. For an event as grueling as Dakar, such an opening proved crucial. In his second appearance, Takale capitalized on that momentum, staying composed, avoiding errors, and building confidence, transforming a promising start into a defining milestone for Indian motorsport.

Competing in Car No. 722, Sanjay Takale, alongside French co-driver Maxime Raud, delivered a commanding performance in Stage 1, topping the H3 standings with 265 points, well clear of his rivals. Spain's Jose Sole and Sergio Cerezo finished second on 348 points, while Raul Ortiz and Raul Ortiz secured third with 414 points. 

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Driving a Toyota HDJ 100, Takale had already impressed in the Prologue, covering a 96 km route with a 22 km special section and 74 km liaison. That effort placed him on the Dakar podium in the Cars category on day one, a first for an Indian driver. He then reinforced his credentials by carrying that momentum into the opening full stage, clinching victory in the four-wheel category and proving his Prologue pace was no fluke.

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Stage 1, held from Yanbu to Yanbu, presented a grueling 305 km Special Stage marked by soft dunes and unforgiving terrain. Sanjay Takale's steady pace, sharp consistency, and tactical control enabled him to dominate his class, further cementing his standing as one of the most accomplished Indian drivers to compete at the Dakar Rally.

Also, India's participation at Dakar 2026 extends to the bike category with Harith Noah, who embarks on his seventh Dakar outing aboard the TVS Sherco RTR 450. Noah's Rally2 class triumph and top-11 overall finish in 2024 ensured India's continued presence on two wheels. Meanwhile, Hero MotoSports competes as a factory-backed team, further strengthening the nation's footprint. Complementing this, Sanjay Takale's breakthrough stage win in the four-wheel category highlights a broader Indian surge across disciplines, marking Dakar 2026 as a milestone year for the country.