Ludwig Messager is heading to the 2026 Dakar Rally. On Friday, he received his acceptance letter from the ASO confirming his debut in next January’s race.

Despite the pivot axle repeatedly breaking during the marathon, Messager punched his ticket with a 26th in Rally2 and 35th overall at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in February. His best run was a 26th in Stage 3.

Abu Dhabi was his second World Rally-Raid Championship start after placing 79th at the 2024 Rallye du Maroc.

Like he did in Abu Dhabi, Messager plans to race Dakar solo in the Original by Motul class. His interest in doing races malle moto stems from enjoying the challenge and old-school nature it presents, similar to Dakar riders of yore.

Before racing, he served eight years in the Chasseurs Alpins (Alpine Hunters), the elite mountain French Army infantry. As an NCO in one of the world’s toughest mountain units, he was up for whatever the rally raid world threw at him.

After his acceptance, Messager launched a fundraiser on CotizUp to help pay for the trip to Saudi Arabia and other Dakar expenses.

His fundraiser can be accessed here.

Featured image credit: Irina Petrichei / Edophoto / DPPI / ASO