TAURUS

 It was her destiny. To compete on the world’s greatest rally on home soil. And to become the first Saudi lady, with Mashael Al Obaidan to start and finish the rally. Dania Akeel was first invited by the Saudi motorsports federation and the Dakar organisers to come and visit the event. Several test drives and experiences on various other rallies eventually led to that big step up. Dania Akeel started her motorsports career as a bike rider on circuit but she isn’t just a motorsports athlete and fanatic. Having achieved a bachelor’s degree in “Modern History and Politics” from the Royal Holloway University of London and then a Master’s degree in “International Business” at the Hult International Business School in the United-States, she combines her passion with consulting, motivational speaking and book writing. For her debut on the Dakar, the Jeddah native managed the performance to finish in the Top 10 in T3 class (8th). It didn’t go quite as well the following year (2023) suffering a massive set back on day 4 that prevented her from bettering her overall position (28th). Dania is a lady of challenges who thrives on testing herself and getting out of her comfort zone and that’s why she decided to change vehicles for her third Dakar. The Saudi will indeed be competing in a Taurus T3 prepared by Wevers Sport. A vehicle that requires a brand new skill based on the fact that it has a sequential gear box. It could also be far more competitive. And as a change never comes alone, Akeel will have a new co-driver at her side: Stéphane Duplé. Other than the fact that he is a truck and car instructor in his everyday life, the Frenchman has gained massive experience on the Dakar since his first appearance in 2015. He was last year on the right hand side of young Aliyyah Koloc who was discovering the rally at only 18 years of age.  Since Dakar, Dania get more closer to France, joining the BBR Team, still inside a Taurus.