After coming up short in 2025, Vincent Thijs finally broke through to win the auto overall at the Fenix Rally. Given his experience at Fenix and races like the Morocco Desert Challenge, it might seem natural for him to consider doing the Dakar Rally now that the 2027 edition is heading to Portugal and Morocco.

However, that isn’t the case.

“There isn’t enough time to get the car ready as it needs some repairs,” he told Het Nieuwsblad. “Besides, the price tag that comes with it is on a completely different level. I will, however, be at the Morocco Desert Challenge next year for the 14th time and where I’ve won once. Later in 2027, I’ll also compete in the World Championship round in Portugal.”

Thijs has competed in rallies across Northern Africa and Europe for two decades. His portfolio includes a pair of Africa Eco Race starts in 2012 and 2013, while also occasionally showing up to bajas such as Baja Aragón, Baja Poland, the Hungarian Baja, and Baja Portalegre 500.

He finished 18th in Ultimate at the 2025 Rally-Raid Portugal, only his second World Rally-Raid Championship event after a seventh in class at the 2022 Andalucía Rally.

In April, Thijs contended for the MDC before a suspension failure knocked him down to second overall. He won the race in 2024.

Featured image credit: RBI Media