First all-women team breaking down barriers at Dakar

Merce Marti and Margot Llobera will make history at this years Dakar Rally when the pair lead the first all-women team to take on the famous endurance race.

Merce Marti and Margot Llobera will lead the first all-women team at the Dakar Rally when they take part in the 2022 edition of the race. Source: Instagram

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Taking the wheel of their Can-Am Maverick X3 for the FN Speed team, Marti and her navigator Llobera will be the first all-female pairing, while their support team will also be made up of exclusively women in what is another Dakar first.

The team is determined to finish the gruelling 8,375-Kilometre endurance rally which traverses the toughest of desert terrain across Saudi Arabia over twelve stages.

It is a project which the Duo hopes encourages more women to participate in the prestigious rally raid.

“The Dakar has always been a sporting event that I have followed with passion,” Marti said.

Saudi women set to make history at Dakar Rally

“This year we have the chance to not only compete but to do so as part of a team made up of just women.

“Hopefully this will help encourage more women to contest rally raids and give a reference for future generations to aspire towards

“Our objective in the race will be to cross the finish line. This event continues to be one of the greatest sporting adventures of all time and a challenge from all points of view.”

Marti is no stranger to challenges with the Spaniard earning her pilot’s licence at the age of 17 before going on to become a commercial pilot as well as competing in aviation races in which she has set a handful of world records.

Andorran Llobera also comes into the race with plenty of pedigree having been a member of the HIMOINSA Motorcycle team which took on the 2018 Dakar.

While not taking on the Dakar on two-wheels as she would’ve imagined, Llobera is excited to finally achieve her dream of participating in the rally albeit from the right side of a four-wheeler.

“This 100% female project is something truly bold and I'm super happy because they called me to be involved,” Llobera said.

“I had already been practising co-driving for the past year and Mercé’s idea for this team motivated me a lot.

“It will be a challenge to go from riding a motorcycle to co-driving a car, but we have done several tests and races these months and I have adapted well. Everything is perfect.

“Being on the starting podium will already be a great victory for me and for all the people who have been working hard behind me ”.