Two stage wins, a new category, a challenge that smells like the future. At her third Dakar participation and making her debut with the brand-new Defender project, American Sara Price isn’t just driving a car: she’s driving an idea, a dream, an ambitious program with an iconic brand. Teammates alongside her are Stéphane Peterhansel, a legend in the bivouac, and the young Baciuška.

Congratulations—what does it feel like to win two stages?
“It’s an amazing feeling. The Defender is incredible—fast. I’m really having fun driving it. Winning stages is fantastic. Obviously my ultimate goal is to win the race; that’s the biggest dream. But for now, I’m enjoying these achievements.”

How does driving change compared to the category you were used to before, with the SSVs?
“It’s very different. Driving a production vehicle means you have to ‘lift off’ in certain situations. With stock regulations we don’t have the same suspension as the other vehicles, and at the same time we have a much higher top speed—we reach 170 km/h. You can get into trouble in an instant, so you have to stay very clear-headed and anticipate everything you see.”

Stock is almost a race within the race.
“We’re looking at the bigger picture. The stock category is new, the rules are new, and we’re showing that these rules are raising the level. Land Rover has entered the Dakar with Defender with a major commitment, and I believe many other manufacturers will follow soon. We’re at the beginning of what I think will become the new reference category of the future.”

Have you had the chance to spend more time with Peterhansel? What kind of advice has he given you?
“Stéphane is fantastic. He’s a great person to be around, as well as to race with. Honestly, we’re all so close in pace right now that there isn’t really a need for big advice. Every day you go out there and give it your all. That’s simply how it is.”

Has he told you any stories from the ‘old days’?
“A little, especially at the beginning of the Dakar. When we talked, I asked him a few questions about the past. It’s always fascinating to listen to those stories.”

Do you ever look at the overall standings, or are you focused only on your category?
“We’re focused only on our class. The Dakar is already tough enough just to reach the finish. Our goal is to finish every day, return to the bivouac, and in the end get on the podium.”

Are you where you expected to be?
“Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. New category, new car, new team for everyone. I didn’t think I’d have this pace, but I’m really happy. The mission is to bring all three Defenders to Yanbu.”

You’re sharing this adventure with Ricky Brabec (Honda). What’s it like to live the same challenge with your partner?
“It’s nice. We’re both chasing our dreams. At the end of the day we look at each other’s results. I know that today he lost a bit of time opening the stage, but I’m confident he’ll make it.”

Is there time to see each other, maybe on rest days?
“Very little—really very little. Even on the rest day we only saw each other for a moment.”

Talking with some drivers, a strong statement came up: ‘A man never wants to be beaten by a woman.’ Do you agree?
“Yes, men don’t like it, even if they say otherwise. It’s something they have inside, always. Somewhere, they never fully accept it.”

When did you realize you wanted to be a racing driver?
“I was actually born a racer. I used to race motocross professionally. When I realized that world didn’t have much of a future for me anymore, I switched—from two wheels to four. But the mindset has always been the same.”

Does your motocross experience still help you today?
“Absolutely. Motocross teaches you how to read the terrain, and that’s fundamental here, where you never know what’s coming. It gives you agility, instinct, sensitivity. Everything you learn on a bike gives you a huge advantage when you get into a car.”