Dakar 2025: Aveyronnais Loïc Minaudier, ambitious and adventurous co-pilot of Team Century

Loïc Minaudier, copilote du Century Racing Factory Team, dispute son 10e Dakar. DPPI – JULIEN DELFOSSE

The co-driver from Saint-Affrique, a double winner of the Dakar in the 2-wheel drive category (2022, 2024), is now racing in the Century CR7 4-wheel drive and is one of the outsiders in the race for his 10th participation.

“The game but not the stakes.” This is how Loïc Minaudier summed up his state of mind on the eve of entering the Dakar 2025. Ranked tenth last year alongside Mathieu Serradori, the co-driver from Aveyron is one of those capable of playing tricks on the race, and elbowing some of the best crews in the world. The two men have gotten used to “tickle the tops”. They know they are expected to deliver, but refuse to become obsessed with it.

“There are some who want to perform at all costs. Performance is part of what we come for, yes, but it is not the priority. I come for the emotion, the pride of being there”, introduces Loïc.

New challenge with Century CR7

Double winner of the Dakar in the 2-wheel drive category (2022, 2024), Loïc has no title to defend this year. Indeed, he is now riding in the Century CR7 powered by 4-wheel drive. A new feature. Perhaps the most beautiful fruit of the close collaboration maintained with the South African manufacturer these last two years.

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“We are galvanized by this new vehicle and the confidence that Century gives us”, the navigator rejoices. “We shone with the 2WD and now we have the opportunity to use the brand's flagship car. It's a small manufacturer that works hard and believes in us. We're going to try to be comfortable and fast, but above all smart. Because today, the Dakar is a question of speed and strategy. With our experience, we have what it takes to do something.”

Co-driving essential without the bikers' tracks

On the course, almost half of the tracks are differentiated between cars and bikes. In these sections, the cars will not be able to benefit from the tracks left by the bikers, who generally start first. Co-driving will therefore become essential again, and this could help Loïc. He is used to the exercise, he who even teaches motorcycle navigation in a training center based in Aveyron.

A 31st place during the 1st stage held this Saturday, January 4th. DPPI – ANTONIN VINCENT

“It won't be a problem for us if we have to open the track. This format suits us and it makes a lot of sense. This separate route changes the way we approach the rally. On these stages there will be strategy, it will change the situation.”

“Don't lose your cool”

Although his status has changed in the bivouac, the Saint-Affricain wants to keep his feet on the ground. “We find ourselves playing with riders that a few years ago, I looked at as monsters, untouchable people for me. Today we are here, we are writing our story and we are riding close to them. It has come to a crescendo, it is up to us not to lose our cool, to stay well and to evolve while having fun”, he postulates. Ranked 31st in a demanding first stage, the duo from the south of France is tackling a big challenge this Sunday: the 48h Chrono stage, which will take place over two days and will pass the 1,000 kilometer mark.