The Italian driver embarks on a new adventure in the Ladies Dakar Team, competing in the legendary rally-raid across Saudi Arabia aboard a truck. This marks her 100th rally participation. TER Champion Rachele Somaschini to Tackle the Dakar Classic 2026 as she takes on this remarkable challenge and aims to make history.
Reigning 2024 TER – Tour European Rally Champion Rachele Somaschini is set to begin the new year with an extraordinary milestone. The Milan-born driver will take the start of the Dakar Classic 2026, marking her 100th rally in career. She will do so on one of the most iconic stages in world motorsport. Moreover, TER Champion Rachele Somaschini to Tackle the Dakar Classic 2026 marks a historic moment for the rally community.
Fresh from her season in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC2), Rachele joins the Ladies Dakar Team to face the gruelling two-week desert adventure in Saudi Arabia, onboard a 1988 Mercedes-Benz Unimog 435 prepared by Tecnosport Rally. Sharing the cabin with her will be Serena Rodella (2nd driver and onboard mechanic) and Monica Buonanamo (co-driver). Together, the all-female crew will cover more than 7,000 kilometres through the desert, in one of the toughest endurance challenges in the world. Notably, TER Champion Rachele Somaschini to Tackle the Dakar Classic 2026 continues her tradition of competing at the highest level.
For Rachele, a four-time Italian Women’s Rally Champion and an inspiring ambassador for the Italian Cystic Fibrosis Research Foundation (FFC), this event represents more than just a sporting achievement. Instead, it is the continuation of a journey that began in 2013 at the Coppa Intereuropa in Monza. That was where she made her competitive debut alongside her father, Luca.
Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis from birth, Rachele has defied all odds, competing successfully on circuits, hill climbs, and national and international rallies. This journey culminated with her TER – Tour European Rally title in 2024 and now, this venture into rally-raid legend.
Through her long-running charity initiative #CorrerePerUnRespiro (“Racing for a Breath”), she combines her racing career with advocacy and fundraising for cystic fibrosis research. To date, she has raised over €530,000 for the cause.
Rachele shared her emotions ahead of the start:
“Thinking about my 100th rally feels incredible, given where I started and the daily challenge I face with my condition. The fact that it’s happening at the Dakar Classic still doesn’t feel real. I’m deeply grateful to my sponsors, partners, family, and everyone who believed in me and helped make this dream come true.”
“This achievement gives me strength to pursue my ultimate goal — to help defeat cystic fibrosis. For now, our focus is on this adventure, giving our best to reach the finish line.”
The Dakar Classic 2026 starts on 3 January from Yanbu, on the Red Sea, with the traditional Prologue stage before heading into 13 demanding legs, including a marathon stage without assistance and a mid-race rest day.
The rally spans 7,281 kilometres, of which 4,162 km are timed specials, and concludes again in Yanbu on 17 January. In summary, TER Champion Rachele Somaschini to Tackle the Dakar Classic 2026 is a testament to her perseverance and ambition.
From the stages of the TER – Tour European Rally to the vast sands of the Dakar, Rachele continues to embody perseverance, passion, and the unbreakable spirit of rallying.