FROM THE DUNES TO THE DOWNS: DACIA SANDRIDER AT GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

• Dakar-winning Dacia Sandrider heads to the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed as it brings a taste of the Saudi Arabian desert to West Sussex
• Rally legend Sébastien Loeb will get behind the wheel as Sandrider takes on both the iconic Goodwood Hillclimb and Off-Road Arena, giving visitors the chance to see the rally raid machine in action
• Sandrider claimed victory at the 2026 Dakar Rally on only Dacia's second appearance in the event
• Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place between 9 - 12 July 2026

Fresh from conquering the 2026 Dakar Rally and with the desert dust barely settled, the Dacia Sandrider will be heading to the Goodwood Festival of Speed this July with rally legend Sébastien Loeb behind the wheel.

Built to dominate the dunes, Sandrider will be let loose on both the world-famous Goodwood Hillclimb and the Off-Road Arena, bringing the noise and a taste of Dakar to West Sussex.

After more than 5,000 miles across Saudi Arabia, Dacia’s no-nonsense rally raid machine charged to victory at the 2026 Dakar Rally on only the team’s second Dakar appearance. Newcomers typically go to Dakar hoping to learn something, yet Sandrider came home with the trophy.

One of the greatest drivers of all time, Sébastien Loeb needs little introduction. Following his awe-inspiring performances on the Dakar stages, the nine-time World Rally Champion will now put Sandrider through its paces in front of Goodwood’s famously enthusiastic crowds throughout the weekend.

Sébastien Loeb, Driver, The Dacia Sandriders said: “I’m really pleased to be coming back to Goodwood Festival of Speed. It’s such a legendary event, with a very special atmosphere and so many passionate fans. To be there with the Dacia Sandrider, a car that has won the Dakar, will be a great moment. It’s a very impressive car to drive, and I can’t wait to show it off in front of the Goodwood crowd.”

Lina Ribeiro, Dacia Brand Director for the UK, said: “Sandrider was built to take on the places that ordinary vehicles don’t even know exist, so seeing it unleashed at Goodwood is going to be something really special. Dakar is a huge part of the Dacia story now, but this is about bringing that adventure closer to home and giving UK fans the chance to experience the car in action – dust, noise, attitude and all.”

The 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place from 9-12 July at Goodwood House, West Sussex.

ENDS

ABOUT DACIA:
Born in 1968, then relaunched by Renault Group from 2004 across Europe and Mediterranean countries, Dacia has always offered the best value for money cars by constantly redefining the essentials. 

As a game-changer, Dacia proposes simple, multi-purpose, reliable cars in tune with customers’ lifestyles. Dacia models have become a reference on the market, including Sandero, the best-selling retail car in Europe each year since 2017 and the best-selling car in Europe in 2024, full stop; Duster, the best-selling SUV to European private customers since 2018 and the second most sold car to customers in 2024; Jogger, the C-segment versatile family car; Spring, the UK’s most affordable electric car; and Bigster, offering buyers of larger, family-friendly cars the robust, well-equipped, great value for money that they have been longing for.

Present in 44 countries, Dacia has sold more than 10 million vehicles since 2004. Dacia launched in the UK in January 2013 and enjoyed the most successful start ever for a new car brand. More than 260,000 Dacia vehicles have been sold in the UK to date.

For further information please visit www.press.dacia.co.uk or contact:

Charlie Roper
Dacia PR & Communications Manager
charlie.roper@dacia.com 

Jim Holder
Renault Group UK Communications Director
jim.holder@renault.co.uk