From Hilux Hero to Sandrider: Moraes Switches Sides to Defend His Crown
In a dramatic twist ahead of the 2026 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), newly crowned world champion Lucas Moraes has parted ways with Toyota and signed with Dacia, setting the stage for a high-stakes title defense behind the wheel of a Sandrider.
Moraes, who clinched the 2025 W2RC title in Morocco last weekend—becoming the first driver since Nasser Al-Attiyah to break Toyota’s dominance—will now compete alongside his former rival at Dacia. His navigator for the upcoming season will be Dennis Zenz, who previously partnered with Seth Quintero at Toyota.
“I’m incredibly happy and proud to join the Dacia Sandriders,” said Moraes. “This is a new and exciting chapter in my career… With Dacia, I believe we can achieve great things.”
Déjà Vu? Al-Attiyah Paved the Way One Year Ago
Ironically, Moraes is retracing the footsteps of the man he dethroned—Nasser Al-Attiyah—who also made the shock switch from Toyota to Dacia just a year earlier. The two champions, now teammates, will spearhead a formidable four-car Dacia lineup in 2026.
Joining them are rally legends Sébastien Loeb / Édouard Boulanger and rising star Cristina Gutiérrez / Pablo Moreno, creating what team insiders are calling the most complete squad in rally-raid today.
Dacia Doubles Down: Four-Car Assault to Break Toyota’s Stronghold
Team principal Tiphanie Isnard explained the strategy behind Dacia’s growing presence:
“It was essential for us to enter at least four cars next season. When it came to selecting our final driver, Lucas clearly stood out as the best performer statistically—and his personality makes him instantly appreciated.”
Isnard also praised new co-driver Zenz, highlighting the duo’s compatibility with the team culture.
“Maintaining the spirit and cohesion within the Sandriders is key—and both Lucas and Dennis fit perfectly into that dynamic.”
Toyota Left to Regroup: 2026 Line-Up Unconfirmed
While Toyota still holds all four W2RC manufacturers’ titles and remains the most decorated team in championship history, the departure of two of its top drivers—first Al-Attiyah, now Moraes—leaves a vacuum heading into 2026.
The Hilux squad has yet to confirm its driver lineup for next season. With Dakar just weeks away, all eyes are on Toyota to see whether they can reload and retaliate—or if this marks the end of an era.
Next Stop: Dakar 2026 – The True Test Begins
The 2026 W2RC season kicks off with the Dakar Rally, the sport’s crown jewel, from January 3–17 in Saudi Arabia. With both reigning champions now under the Dacia banner, the showdown is set to be explosive.
Will Lucas Moraes defend his crown? Can Toyota fight back? And will Dacia’s superteam live up to the hype?
One thing’s certain: the desert will decide.
