Dakar Rally 2026: First for Female British Team
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
Two friends have become the first all-female British team to complete the Dakar Rally this year.
Marcella Kirk, from West Handley in North East Derbyshire, and her Helen Tait-Wright, have taken part in the 8,000 kilometre race in Saudi Arabia.
Through sponsorship and the sale of many of their possessions, including a car and jewellery, they raised the sum of €130,000 needed to build a specially-adapted Land Rover and to cover their expenses during the race.
There were over 800 competitors, including 42 women, and the British pair finished 83rd in the Dakar Classic section of the rally, remarking that:
"We've done it and we're very proud of ourselves."
The Rally involved driving over a range of terrains, including sand dunes, mud, rocks and dry river beds, and navigation was by map reading, as the use of sat-navs were banned.
They were unsure whether they would finish the Rally after two tyres blew at the same time, during the final section. Helped by a German team, they were able to get back on track to complete the remaining 80 kilometres, but without any spare tyres and with the steering being out.
Quite an achievement all round!
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
