Robbie Wallace will be back for a second Dakar Rally in 2026, hoping to improve after what he frankly called a disappointing debut this year.

British by nationality, Wallace qualified for the 2025 Dakar after finishing sixth in Rally2 at the 2024 Desafío Ruta 40. Riding for Xraids Experience, he would place 74th in class.

His Dakar debut began with a 29th in class at the Prologue. While his pace typically put him between the twenties and thirties, Wallace’s hopes of placing there overall were dashed when he crashed in Stage 4 and hit his head. The accident knocked him unconscious and he was airlifted to the hospital.

He was cleared to rejoin the race the next day and resumed his pace: his best finish in the second half was 24th in Stage 9, just a spot behind his highest run of 23rd in Stage 1.

Still, because he missed a stage to recover, he did not receive a finisher’s medal. Naturally, that’s something he wants to rectify in 2026.

Wallace posted on Friday:

Well, here we go again I guess.

This time last year Dakar was still only a pipe dream but with many long hours and hard work I was able to get myself onto the start line of this fabled race.

It was an absolutely incredible experience and one that is unforgettable and will live me until the end of my days. I had some bad crashes but some really good stage placings too. The only thing that eluded me was the gold medal for completing every stage.

This has left me feeling I’m yet to close the book on this chapter. Therefore, I am going to attempt to get on the start line again with a goal of a TOP 30 FINISH.

Many of you reading this were instrumental to getting me there and without the support and help, I wouldn’t have got anywhere near. I will now require this support once again. The budget is the same but, the goals are higher.

I’m going to bring you all on this journey once more and this time around I will be giving you better insights into what it takes to get to Dakar via my social media platforms.

The merch shop will also be getting a shake up with a re vamped range (any suggestions?) and I’ll be hosting my fundraising evening once again later in the year.

Let the journey commence!

The 2026 Dakar Rally will run on January 3–17.

Featured image credit: Charly Lopez / ASO