Matthieu Jauffraud received disappointing news from the Amaury Sport Organisation once again, as his application for the 2025 Dakar Rally has been rejected. This means his focus will now turn to the 2026 race.
In contrast to his rejection in 2024, which was due to lack of desert rally experience, this time it was because of an unfortunate accident. During the 2023 Rallye du Maroc, Jauffraud suffered a serious injury when he landed badly after launching off a dune in Stage #2, rupturing his Achilles and fracturing a tibia.
This injury sidelined him for eight months, disrupting his plans for 2024. He had intended to compete in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in February, part of the World Rally-Raid Championship and the Road to Dakar. However, due to his delayed return to riding in May, his attempt to sign up for the Dakar Rally also failed.
While the 2025 Dakar Rally is no longer an option, Jauffraud will regroup by participating in the 2024 Rallye du Maroc in October and the 2025 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in February. Although rejected, there is still a chance for him to qualify for the Dakar Rally next year by winning the Road to Dakar in Morocco or performing impressively enough to change the ASO’s decision.
Jauffraud expressed his disappointment with the ASO’s decision, detailing his plans to reapply for the Dakar Rally in 2026 after competing in upcoming events. Despite the setback, he remains determined to tackle the legendary Dakar Rally.
Jauffraud, a motocross and sand racing physiotherapist, ventured into rally racing in 2023. He made his debut at the Hellas Rally Raid in Greece, finishing forty-eighth overall and twenty-first in the M3 category.
