Noa Sainct will be a Dakarian, like his father before him.

“My friends, family, and the riders whom I’ve had the chance to meet always tell me about the exploits of my dad, Richard Sainct, and the mark he left in the desert,” said Sainct on Thursday. “These stories, memories, and passion for rally raid made me want to embark on this adventure myself. I’ve been living this passion through racing for two years, with just as much pleasure and the desire to progress.

“Today, I’m getting closer and closer to that dream. With my registration for the 2027 Dakar confirmed, a new chapter begins.”

Richard Sainct won the Dakar Rally three times in 1999, 2000, and 2003. He finished runner-up to Nani Roma at what would be his final Dakar in 2004 before dying in a crash at that year’s Rallye des Pharaons. Noa, who was ten months old when his father passed, wanted to follow in his footsteps when he grew up.

After competing in enduro, he began doing cross-country rallies in 2025 like the Carta Rallye, Baja Morocco, and Rallye du Maroc. After finishing 20th overall at the Carta Rallye, he won a stage and placed third in the Baja Morocco. The Rallye du Maroc marked his first time competing in the World Rally-Raid Championship. Even then, he went on to beat eventual champion Thomas Zoldos for the Rally3 class victory.

In January, Sainct debuted in the Africa Eco Race as part of Marc Joineau’s team. He ran out of fuel early on, but won 450cc in Stage 10 en route to an 11th in class.

Sainct finished sixth overall and third in 450cc in his return to the Carta Rallye in April. He’ll also run the Baja Morocco and Rallye du Maroc later in September.

Featured image credit: Julien Delfosse / DPPI / ASO