Qatar’s Al Attiyah sets sights on sixth Dakar triumph

DOHA: After winning his fifth Dakar Rally crown in 2023, Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah made it clear that his hunger for success was far from satisfied....

DOHA: After winning his fifth Dakar Rally crown in 2023, Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah made it clear that his hunger for success was far from satisfied.

Despite failing to reach the top step of the podium in the last two editions of the grueling event, the Qatari rally legend remains undeterred at the age of 55 as he prepares for the 48th Dakar Rally, which gets underway in Saudi Arabia next week.

A multi-talented sports icon, also an Olympic bronze medallist in shooting, Al Attiyah is pursuing a long-term ambition - to surpass Frenchman Stephane Peterhansel’s record of eight Dakar titles in the car category.

“I am setting myself the target of breaking the record of eight titles, and it will be a long mission. I hope we will be able to achieve this goal, Inshallah, and I will try my best to continue competing in this category,” Al Attiyah had told The Peninsula in 2023, shortly after securing his fifth Dakar Rally victory, during a felicitation ceremony held in his honour.

Fast forward to the build-up for the 2026 edition, and Al Attiyah’s determination remains firmly intact as he sets his sights on a sixth Dakar title during the January 3 to 17 competition. He will once again compete for the Dacia Sandriders, marking his second consecutive season with the team, and will be partnered this time by Belgian navigator Fabian Lurquin.