Nuno Silva will make his Dakar Rally debut in 2026, returning to Old Friends Rally Team after doing the “real” Dakar rally with them two years prior.

Silva entered the 2024 Africa Eco Race with Old Friends, where he finished 14th overall and ninth for 450cc bikes. Later that year, he ran the Rallye du Maroc for the team and placed 68th in Rally2.

He is a two-time competitor of the Addax Rally in Morocco. The Portuguese rider has also raced in his country’s domestic championship.

The team posted on Monday:

It’s official! Another rider will carry the name of Old Friends Rally Team to the Dakar!

We’re incredibly proud to announce our support for Nuno Silva, born in Arouca — a true fighter in the dunes and a passionate off-road enthusiast.

With solid experience in the Rallye du Maroc, Africa Eco Race, Addax Rally (2 editions), and the Portuguese Cross-Country Championship (CNTT), Nuno now joins our family to take on the world’s toughest off-road challenge.

Let’s go all in, Nuno!

Old Friends Rally Team will also field bikes at Dakar for Jorge Brandão and Pedro Pinheiro. Additionally, the team has an SSV program.

Featured image credit: Actiongraphers