The start of the year can mean many things, but in the motor world it is synonymous with only one: the arrival of the 45th edition of the Dakar Rally. For the second consecutive year, and after the success of 2022, Auto Cristal Ralarsa, part of Cary Group, returns to the dunes accompanying three teams from FN Speed Team. Meet this year’s protagonists and the categories in which they will be competing in the following lines, before the great competition kicks off.
45 years feeling the “Dakar spirit”
After participating in 5 consecutive editions, FN Speed Team will field 9 vehicles in the T3 and T4 categories, in addition to its truck to support all the drivers. Of all of them, Ralarsa is sponsoring the team for the second year in a row. This time with Santiago Navarro, Pau Navarro, and Joan Font at the wheel of the buggies.
With the aim of taking them to the top of the standings, the squad aspires to demonstrate the values of sport by providing all the support, services, and solutions needed at the elite level of high competition.
Joan Font, Santiago Navarro, and Pau Navarro: our 3 picks
Sporting the number 305 and as one of the representatives in the T3 category, Santiago Navarro returns to the wheel after his debut in 2017. Accompanied by Adrien Metge, he is one of the most interesting cases in the Dakar Rally, as in addition to driving in the FIA T3 category, he also serves as director of the FN Speed Team. Considering that in 2022 he achieved a privileged position, from next January 1st his goal will be to remain in the top 3.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Pau Navarro, at just 18 years old, says he is “very excited and nervous at the same time”. Although he has already competed as a truck co-driver alongside his father Santiago Navarro, the young driver arrives at the race eager to secure a good position — this time with Michael Metge seated to his right.
Lastly, as a participant in the T4 category, Joan Font continues to live his dream for the fifth consecutive time: crossing the desert dunes in the Dakar Rally. This may not be enough for him, as thanks to the lightness of the vehicle he drives on this occasion, the chances of continuing along this line are clearly in his favour.
From Ralarsa, car glass workshop, we will be following FN Speed Team closely throughout the 14 stages of the competition. Join us in cheering on our drivers — let the adventure begin!
