Accomplished Italian racer Danilo Petrucci is set to make a striking return for the 2025 Dakar Rally but with a surprising new twist: he will be competing in the truck category instead of his familiar motorcycle.
This announcement has stirred excitement and curiosity among motorsport fans and analysts alike, as Petrucci transitions from two wheels to four in one of the most challenging off-road races in the world.
Danilo Petrucci’s return to the Dakar Rally comes after his impressive debut in 2022, where he not only participated but also made history by winning a stage on a motorcycle.
This achievement marked him as the first rider to secure a stage victory at the Dakar, solidifying his reputation as a versatile racer across various racing disciplines, including MotoGP, World Superbike and MotoAmerica.
For the 2025 Dakar Rally, Danilo Petrucci has decided to shift from two wheels to four comes as part of a collaboration with the Italtrans Racing Team and Prometeon Tyre Group.
In a statement quoted by Gazzetta Petrucci said: “I am very happy to join the Italtrans crew and I can’t wait to get on board together with Claudio Bellina.
“I also thank Prometeon very much for making this unique opportunity possible. The Dakar is a fascinating challenge and I am excited to experience it for the second time. I will have a lot to learn and I will give my best to help make a good result.
“When they asked me to return for the 2025 Dakar Rally I didn’t hesitate for a moment, this race has left me a lot, it has made me realise a great dream, to race it and win a stage, to get to the end of the Dakar then gives incredible satisfaction.”
The decision to switch from motorcycles to trucks is not merely a random choice; it reflects Danilo Petrucci’s long-standing connection with trucks from his childhood.
The 34-year old fondly recalls traveling in his father’s truck to transport machinery for renowned racer Loris Capirossi. This nostalgic link adds a personal dimension to his upcoming adventure at the Dakar.
The 2025 Dakar Rally is set to take place in January, traversing the diverse and rugged landscapes of Saudi Arabia. Competitors will face an array of challenges over 14 grueling stages that include navigating through desert dunes, rocky trails, and high-speed sections across vast open plains.
The event is known for testing not only the endurance of participants but also their navigation skills and vehicle performance under extreme conditions.
As Danilo Petrucci prepares for the new chapter in his racing career, he faces an uphill battle adapting to the intricacies of truck racing.
The skills required for maneuvering a truck through challenging terrains differ significantly from those needed for motorcycle racing. However, his determination and experience across various racing formats position him well for this transition.
Toyota Gazoo Racing unveils six-car team for 2025 Dakar Rally
Besides Danilo Petrucci’s entry into the truck category, Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) is gearing up for the Dakar Rally with a robust six-car team.
This year’s lineup includes rising stars such as Lucas Moraes and Seth Quintero, who have already made their mark in the 2024 World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC).
TGR’s strategy emphasizes nurturing young talent while leveraging experienced drivers to achieve competitive results. The team aims to build on their success from last season, where they clinched the Manufacturer’s Championship.
The partnership between Toyota Gazoo Racing and Repsol will also play a crucial role in their campaign for the 2025 Dakar Rally. Repsol’s commitment to sustainable innovation aligns with TGR’s goals for carbon neutrality in motorsports.
The collaboration underscores both companies’ dedication to pioneering renewable technologies within competitive racing environments.
Toyota Gazoo Racing Team Principal Andrea Carlucci remarked on their preparations: “The 2025 Dakar Rally will demonstrate Toyota Gazoo Racing’s commitment to excellence and innovation. Our team this year is a blend of youth and experience, which we believe is essential for tackling the challenges of Dakar.”
