Indian Driver Sanjay Takale created history at the Dakar Rally 2026 by winning the Group H3 Class in the Prologue Stage on January 4, 2026. Competing in Car No. 722 with his Toyota HDJ 100, the 57-year-old finished first in the high-average-speed category for modified production vehicles. He secured an impressive 35th position overall in the Cars category. Takale outpaced strong international competition, including Spain's Jose Sole and Sergio Cerezo in second place with a Mitsubishi Montero. Fellow Spaniard Raul Ortiz took third in a Toyota RAV4, marking a proud moment for Indian motorsport on the global stage.

The Prologue covered a 96 km route, including a 22 km Special Stage and a 74 km Liaison section. Takale’s victory in Group H3 makes him the first Indian to stand on the Dakar podium in the Cars category on Day 1. This outstanding performance earned him the honor of leading Stage 1 from Yanbu to Yanbu, a challenging 305 km Special Stage featuring tough navigation and demanding dune sections. The Dakar Rally, widely regarded as the ultimate test of endurance in motorsport, continues to push drivers to their limits. Takale’s result highlights his growing experience and competitive edge in one of the toughest events in the world.

This marks Takale’s second participation in the Dakar Rally after his debut in 2025. In his first attempt, he finished 18th overall and 10th in the Dakar Classic class. For the 2026 edition, he races under Team Aerpace Racers with French navigator Maxime Raud as his co-driver. The campaign receives technical and logistical support from Compagnie Saharienne of France. As the only Indian competing in the four-wheeler category this year, Takale’s achievement underscores his resilience. It also signals India’s rising presence in international rallying.

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Sanjay Takale’s Prologue triumph has been widely celebrated in India and across the global motorsport community. His performance sets a strong foundation for the rest of the rally, which promises grueling stages ahead. The veteran driver’s consistent improvement from last year to this edition demonstrates his dedication. Indian motorsport fans now look forward to his progress in the coming days. Takale’s success serves as an inspiration for aspiring rally drivers in the country.

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