Even though the dust of Dakar 2025 has slowly settled, memories of the legendary race still linger. In mid-March, we take an intense look back with the Normandy Racing Solutions team at the challenges, triumphs, and special moments of the adventure. Drivers Alexandre Lemerey and Fabien Lecaplain share how their new truck, extreme conditions, and premium lubricants from YORK by MOTOREX shaped their journey through the relentless desert.
What was it like to participate in the legendary Dakar 2025 with your truck? What was the biggest challenge?
Alexandre Lemerey: Participating was fantastic! Our new truck proved to be extremely agile and reliable. The toughest challenge came during the marathon stage—two days without sleep, a demanding special stage, followed by intense repairs to continue the next morning. It was extreme but also an incredible experience.
Fabien Lecaplain: Our truck, with 950 HP and 4600 Nm torque, impressed us. The biggest challenge was definitely the lack of sleep. There's hardly any time to recover between stages, yet you have to stay highly focused.
What makes the truck category at Dakar so special?
Alexandre Lemerey: Handling a ten-ton vehicle is a unique challenge, especially in narrow passages. The size and weight of the truck require constant anticipation and precise line selection.
Fabien Lecaplain: The weight and size of the truck are a real challenge. Especially in difficult sections where balance and control are critical, you realize how demanding this category is.
Was there a special moment or stage that stood out for you?
Alexandre Lemerey: The towering dunes are always impressive. The soft sand and steep slopes make it particularly challenging for a truck. These sections require full concentration and finesse.
Fabien Lecaplain: The endless dune landscapes were breathtaking. The towering dunes, the endless sea of sand, and the striking desert views are images one never forgets.
How important were premium lubricants from YORK BY MOTOREX for the performance and reliability of your truck?
Alexandre Lemerey: Absolutely essential! The extreme conditions—rocky terrain, high temperatures—pushed our technology to its limits. YORK’s lubricants did an excellent job protecting the mechanical components.
Fabien Lecaplain: Especially with the high temperatures in the gearbox and axles, premium lubricants are indispensable. They protect against excessive wear and ensure our vehicle's reliability—a basic requirement for completing a rally like Dakar.
What extreme conditions did the lubricants and mechanics have to endure during Dakar? Were there critical situations where they made a difference?
Alexandre Lemerey: The strain was enormous—temperatures up to 40°C, endless hours on dusty tracks, rocks, sand, and heat. It tested not only us but also the mechanics. Components like bearings, drives, and shock absorbers were put to the test.
Fabien Lecaplain: YORK’s lubricants impressed us. Even under the toughest conditions—like wheel hubs under extreme stress—we observed consistently good viscosity. Dakar is the ultimate test for any product. If it passes here, it passes anywhere.
How often did you have to perform maintenance during the race, and what role did lubricants play?
We changed the engine before the Dakar Rally and during the rest day. Gearboxes and axles were serviced every three days, and wheel hubs every two days. Without premium lubricants, this regular maintenance would have been not only more complicated but also riskier.
How does the collaboration between driver, co-driver, and mechanics work during such an extreme adventure?
Alexandre Lemerey: Team spirit is everything. You live closely together for three weeks under extreme conditions. Everyone has to rely on one another—trust and good communication are key.
Fabien Lecaplain: Everyone knows exactly what to do and must rely on one another. Without teamwork and mutual support, it would be impossible to succeed in a rally like Dakar.
What was your strategy for Dakar 2025? Did you have to adapt it during the race?
Alexandre Lemerey: Our priority was to reach the finish line. That meant preserving the technology and paying attention to the vehicle's warning signs. A Dakar adventure can end sooner than you think—so we preferred to play it safe.
Fabien Lecaplain: We followed a very controlled strategy. Sometimes you have to consciously slow down to successfully endure the 7,500 kilometers of the race. In the end, patience pays off.
How did the partnership with YORK BY MOTOREX help you achieve your goals at THE Dakar RALLY?
Alexandre Lemerey: We are very proud of our partnership with YORK and MOTOREX. Both stand for top quality and environmental awareness—values we share. Alongside partners like Hydragene and Altens, we strive to minimize our environmental impact. But it also fits on a personal level—the collaboration is enjoyable.
Fabien Lecaplain: YORK’s premium lubricants significantly protected our technology. But products like brake cleaner, glass cleaner, and rust protection also helped maintain our equipment optimally. Every detail counts on the road to the finish line.
What are your plans for the future? Will we see you at the next Dakar rally?
Alexandre Lemerey: First, a comprehensive overhaul of the truck is planned. We also want to use our experiences to prepare the vehicle even better. One or two rallies in 2025—like the Rallye du Maroc—would be perfect opportunities to prepare for Dakar 2026.
Fabien Lecaplain: Exactly, rallies like the Rallye du Maroc are ideal tests to get ready for the next big adventure. We have our sights firmly set on Dakar 2026.
Dakar 2025 once again proved that success comes from team spirit, technology, and the right preparation. For Normandy Racing Solutions, it was a race full of intense experiences and valuable insights. Looking ahead, the team is already working on optimizing for future challenges. One thing is certain: their passion for rallying burns on, and preparations for the next adventure are already in full swing.
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