Jesus Calleja I will contest again Dakar Rally in 2026. After an absence of four years, since its fifth and final participation in the most important raid in the world, The famous Spanish adventurer is preparing to take on a new challenge, in which he will pilot a Santana prototype. Additionally, he spoke about Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso, even rejecting the possibility of being his co-driver.
“The Dakar has this magic… I don’t know what it is, I can’t tell you. To give you an idea, it’s my vacation. I haven’t been home for three months, I have another show to shoot, I come from the program and almost without spending Christmas, I go to Arabia. The Dakar catches up with you” Calleja commented in a recent interview with Brand.
Regarding the Dakar and his age, the interviewer asked if it was more difficult to travel in space or if Carlos Sainz could maintain his level: “Carlos Sainz has such potential and what he has left, that he will win the Dakar even more. In other words, it is easier for Sainz to win the Dakar than to go into space,” was the response.
“He is the same today as he was 25 years ago, even when he was 25. That’s why it’s incomparable. There will be those who will have more triumphs, like Peterhansel, but Carlos’ CV not only in the Dakar but in his whole career and being competitive at this age… it’s like if you ask me about Fernando Alonso, how many Formula 1 players can be at this level at his age? And what he has left…”, reflected the presenter.
“I couldn’t be anyone’s co-pilot, because I’m afraid. In fact, with Fernando, when we went to Abu Dhabi to train before the Dakar, we were testing the cars and he insisted that I ride with him. And I told him no, no, that he was too good for me to be co-pilot and what’s more, I was scared to death. Co-pilots have extraordinary value. Because it’s not the same as driving. “I know what I’m handling and what I’m doing and I have confidence in myself, but not in anyone else,” he admitted.
“I think so. With the great team we all saw that he put together… tell me one name that’s missing from this team for the car to be a winner.” And if the car is a winner, Fernando is a winner. I have no doubt that we will see“, said Jesus Calleja.
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