EBRO Audax Motorsport and Laia Sanz, aiming for their first Dakar together
The multiple champion, with Maurizio Gerini to her right and at the wheel of the EBRO s800 XRR, faces her 16th participation in the toughest rally in the world, the fifth in a car.
The driver from Corbera de Llobregat, who is competing for the first time with a T1+, will be looking to complete an outstanding performance in her jump to the top category (Ultimate).
The debut coincides with the first anniversary of EBRO's production restart, which arrives at the Dakar with a network of more than 80 dealerships and the recent launch of its new flagship, the s900.
Laia Sanz: ""I believe we have a reliable car and a very strong team. My plan is to gradually build momentum throughout the rally, using strategy and intelligence, without rushing things, and to give my all to take the EBRO as far forward as possible.".
Barcelona, November 26, 2025 – EBRO Audax Motorsport is preparing for its historic Dakar Rally debut with Laia Sanz at the wheel of the EBRO s800 XRR T1+. The Barcelona-born driver, a 20-time world champion (14 in trial and 6 in enduro) with a brilliant track record in the Dakar, is determined to lead the team's first participation in the world's toughest race, which will take place from January 3 to 17.
For Corbera de Llobregat, “It is an honor to be the first pilot of this project and to be part of a team that is building something so ambitious from the very beginning.”.
With Audax Renovables as the main sponsor and the support of KH-7 and CA Autobank, Laia Sanz is eager to demonstrate her potential in the top category (Ultimate), in which she is competing for the first time. The 2025 Rally of Morocco, the final round of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), marked the first major test for both EBRO Audax Motorsport and Sanz in a T1+ car.
“Morocco allowed us to get to know the EBRO s800 XRR better, test the setup, and work as a team under real race conditions. It was a crucial step towards arriving in Saudi Arabia with greater confidence.”,” the pilot says.
The Catalan driver and Taye Perry – who replaced Maurizio Gerini after an untimely bout of appendicitis – completed the race in 20th place overall and 18th in Ultimate, an experience that allowed them to test the car and draw key conclusions to face the Dakar with greater guarantees.
In her 16th Dakar Rally, and her fifth in a car, Laia Sanz will once again be joined by her regular co-driver, Italian Maurizio Gerini, with whom she will try to complete the course and finish in a good position. The EBRO driver is one of the Dakar's most prominent figures. With 15 participations – all finished except one – and the title of the best female rider in the history of the event in the motorcycle category (9th overall in 2015), she has also demonstrated a high level of skill in the car category. In 2014, she achieved 15th place overall (third in the 4x2 category) and was the first woman in the standings.
“Competing with a T1+ was a goal I've pursued since I started racing cars. It's a big step forward. I think we have a reliable vehicle and a very solid team. My plan is to run the rally gradually, building momentum as it progresses, using strategy and intelligence, without rushing, leveraging my accumulated experience, and giving it my all to take the EBRO as far forward as possible.”,” he adds.
With 7,994 kilometers –4,900 timed– and starting and finishing in Yanbu (Saudi Arabia), the Spanish team will have to overcome 14 extremely demanding stages, with dunes, rocks, complex navigation and marathon days that will test both the mechanics and the physical endurance.
This historic participation in the Dakar Rally comes at a pivotal moment for the company, which has just celebrated the first anniversary of the restart of production at the EBRO Factory in the Zona Franca industrial park. In just twelve months, EBRO has achieved significant industrial and commercial milestones, such as the consolidation of a sales network with more than 80 dealerships and the launch of four models, the latest being the s900 PHEV 4x4, the brand's new flagship model, which joins the s400, s700, and s800.
“Taking the EBRO brand to the Dakar dunes just one year after restarting the assembly line is the best demonstration of the ambition and strength of this project,” emphasizes Pedro Calef, CEO of EBRO Motors. “2025 has been the year of industrial rebirth, the launch of key models, and our expansion into new markets; now, the Dakar is the perfect global showcase to project the values of dedication, teamwork, and courage that have brought us to where we are today.”.
For his part, José Elías, president of Audax Renovables, points out: “This sponsorship isn't just about putting our name on a car; it means joining an inspiring adventure. A project that revives a historic name in Spanish automotive history and is gaining traction in a complex automotive market. An ambitious initiative that, like Audax, boasts a strong present and solid prospects for growth, innovation, and sustainability.”.
EBRO Audax Motorsport and Laia Sanz are venturing into the desert with the ambition of completing their first Dakar Rally together and solidifying their sporting project. The adventure begins here.
