Catalan Michelin-starred chef triumphs with podium finish in 2025 Dakar rally

Catalan Michelin-starred chef Nandu Jubany has triumphed in the 2025 Dakar rally, finishing second in the two-wheel drive category after a 5,100-kilometer off-road race across Saudi Arabia.

The owner of 10 restaurants completed a dream rally, placing among the top 20 in the Ultimate cars classification.

It was his debut on four wheels in the Dakar, having completed it on motorbike in 2018.

Jubany and his co-driver Marc Solà, showed great consistency throughout the twelve stages, managing to steer clear of physical, mechanical and navigational problems.

"We are here and we have finished," Jubany said after crossing the line. "It has been a bit tricky for us, there were nerves," he added before thanking his family, supporters, sponsors and team. 

His co-driver Marc Solà said: "We are very happy because Nandu has fulfilled and even surpassed his objective. Now it's time to celebrate the great triumph of achieving second place in the category."

A total of 175 vehicles completed the 47th edition of the Dakar rally on Friday, the 6th held in Saudi Arabia.