Dakar Rally Halfway Highlights

As the 2025 Dakar Rally reaches its halfway point, the excitement continues to build in the desert. This year, we are thrilled to partner with our Czech distributor, who is supporting a top-performing team in the truck category, and our Polish distributor, who is supporting a skilled rider in the bike category. Both competitors are making impressive strides in this gruelling race, showcasing the reliability and performance of our advanced oils and lubricants as they navigate the challenging terrain.

This year’s route stretches nearly 8,000 kilometres from Bisha to Shubaytah, featuring over 5,000 kilometres of specials, ramping up the difficulty for the sixth edition in Saudi Arabia.

Truck Category – Martin Macík – MM Technology Team

“It’s always hard to be the favourite.”

Martin Macík is competing in his 13th Dakar Rally, continuing a legacy of adventure and determination. Alongside him are his trusted navigator, Frantisek Tomasek, and mechanic, David Svanda. Macík made headlines last year by claiming his first overall victory in the truck category at Dakar 2024, becoming the first driver from the Czech Republic to achieve this feat since Karel Loprais in 2001. Following in the footsteps of his father, Martin Macík Senior—who first participated in the rally in 2003 and co-founded the MM Technology team—they’ve built their own trucks in a workshop in Sedlcany. Macík debuted in the Dakar in 2013 as a navigator before transitioning to the driver’s seat in 2015, marking the start of an impressive racing career.

MM Technology started strong this year, securing third place in the prologue. Their truck, nicknamed Benny and powered by Millers Oils Motorsport Engine Oil CFS 10w60 NT+ and Motorsport Gear Oil CRX LS 75w140 NT+, confidently tackled the challenging 29-kilometre route filled with rough terrain, gravel, and dense shrubbery. In the opening stage, despite tough conditions, the team finished third once more. While this 413-kilometre route wasn’t the longest, its brutal landscape, filled with rocks, trees, and thick brush, presented significant challenges that required serious repairs for Benny.

In Stage 3, the team finished fourth in a shortened 327-kilometre special, losing just five minutes to the stage winner on the punishing rocky terrain. However, they maintained their overall lead in the truck category.

Momentum shifted during the second leg of the marathon stage, where Benny delivered a commanding performance, securing their second stage win of the year with a start-to-finish triumph. The MM Technology crew seamlessly tackled the rocky landscape, finishing ahead of two other EVO4 trucks from the same technology centre. Although this stage posed navigational challenges with tricky waypoints and hard-to-spot markers, the team only missed one waypoint, which they quickly relocated.

As they reach the halfway point in the rally, MM Technology is enjoying a provisional Stage 5 win and holds pole position overall. Benny and the crew are set for a well-deserved rest day before plunging into the second half of the Dakar, which promises more long and challenging stages.

Bike Category – Bartłomiej Tabin

“A podium in the veteran category is doable and would be my fulfillment.”

Bartłomiej Tabin boasts an impressive background in rally-raid, with sixteen seasons of enduro riding, including six Red Bull Erzberg Rodeos and Megawatt 111s. Guided by the expertise of seasoned competitor Jacek Czachor, who has participated in 18 Dakar rallies, (including the 2025 edition) Tabin made a successful transition to rally-raid. His strong performance at the Rallye du Maroc 2022, where he finished third in the veteran class and 25th in Rally 2, earned him a coveted spot at the Dakar. In 2024, Tabin proudly took the start line for his first Dakar Rally, persevering through two intense weeks and facing the marathon stage, ultimately achieving his goal as a finisher.

As Dakar 2025 reaches its halfway point, Tabin has faced a challenging journey so far. The first week included gruelling stages, featuring 48 hours navigating extensive dunes and rocky riverbeds. After completing a demanding marathon segment, he now faces another 1,000 kilometres of intense racing.

For the rest day, Tabin will be recharging for the next seven days of desert crossings. Despite the hardships, he has delivered commendable performances: currently holding P3 in the Veteran Trophy, P42 in Rally 2, and P57 overall. This position also reflects his selfless decision to assist fellow rider James Hillier, who crashed at the 290-kilometre mark in Stage 1 and suffered a broken nose. Despite Hillier’s determination to continue racing, Tabin urged him to prioritise his safety. This act of compassion underscores the true spirit of the race. This week has truly tested Tabin’s resilience and skill, highlighting the determination that drives him forward in this legendary rally.

With Millers Oils advanced oils and lubricants powering their journeys, MM Technology and Bartłomiej Tabin are navigating the toughest terrains and overcoming significant challenges. As they prepare for the second half of the rally, we are proud to support these remarkable competitors, celebrating their achievements and the adventure that lies ahead.