Dakar 2025 with Century Racing.

Dakar 2025 showcased a diverse field of competitors from ten nations, including China, Zimbabwe, the Netherlands, Brazil, and France. Century Racing was represented by three factory entries, led by experienced drivers Mathieu Serradori and Brian Baragwanath, with team founder Mark Corbett completing the lineup.

Dakar 2025 marked Century Racing’s strongest factory team performance to date. After consecutive entries in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 with drivers Mathieu Serradori and Brian Baragwanath, this year saw a breakthrough. 

Serradori secured 6th overall, with Baragwanath finishing 10th - placing both factory cars firmly in the top 10 for the first time.

The competition was intense, with top teams and manufacturers going head-to-head in one of the toughest editions yet. In the photo above, Mathieu Serradori is seen in conversation with rally legend and defending champion Carlos Sainz Sr. a moment that captured the high stakes and respect among competitors. A strong manufacturer presence, along with factory efforts from Dacia, MINI, Toyota and Century Racing, made for a fierce battle at the front. With so many capable teams in the mix, every stage was a fight for position.

It was great to see Laia Sanz and Maurizio Gerini back behind the wheel of their Century CR6-T for another run at the Dakar. Entering what was reportedly her 13th Dakar, Sanz came in all guns blazing, showing strong pace early on. Unfortunately, a minor incident in the dust led to roof damage on their car. While there appeared to be no visible chassis deformation, FIA regulations around roll cage integrity meant the team was not allowed to continue. A tough break for one of the sport’s most respected and experienced drivers.

Century Racing and Century Property Developments director Mark Corbett made a long-awaited return to Dakar in 2025, nearly a decade after his last appearance in 2016 behind the wheel of the earlier CR5 model. After years of intending to compete, often sidelined by setbacks, Corbett was finally back in the driver’s seat. His campaign showed early promise, but an unusual mechanical failure cut his race short. A lost tooth on the engine's flywheel caused damage to the timing system, likely affecting the crank sensor and leaving him stranded in the desert. While the issue wasn’t major in technical complexity, it was enough to end his run. Despite the setback, having Corbett back brought valuable leadership and energy to the Century Racing effort.

Rik van den Brink and Gydo Heimans from the Netherlands, competed in the South African Rally Championship throughout the 2024 season as preparation for the Dakar Rally. Their efforts paid off, as they successfully completed their first ever Dakar without encountering any major issues in the CR7.

It was a significant moment for Century Racing to welcome Wang Minlei and our China-based agent, Zhang Huijun, to this year’s Dakar Rally. Zhang, who has previously purchased more than a dozen Century Racing vehicles — including five CR6s and seven CR7s -  joined us after competing in numerous events across China, such as the Taklimakan Rally and the Silk Way Rally through the Mongolian desert. The Chinese contingent brought their own mechanics, while Century Racing provided logistical and parts support. Their presence added valuable diversity to the team, even as daily communication brought its own set of language and cultural challenges.

One of the most prominently featured Century Racing cars on television this year was the CR6 V8 driven by William Battershill and navigated by Stuart Gregory. They were chosen stars on the Dakar Heroes program and so a lot of their adventurous moments were captured on film and sharing their emotions. It was William’s first-ever Dakar Rally with limited training and experience, the pair delivered a commendable performance. Battershill, an adventurer at heart, comes from a background that includes skydiving and numerous other achievements, and is notably a co-founder of the major industrial firm BSI Steel. Gregory, seated in the navigator’s position, brought with him the grit of having completed over five Dakar Rally editions in the demanding Malle Moto category — an unassisted class where competitors ride solo on motorbikes, carrying only one trunk, setting up their own tents, and performing all repairs themselves. For Gregory, this year’s rally was a welcome change: The comfort of air conditioning, a proper bed each night, and the support of a full mechanical crew offered a stark contrast to the grueling self-sufficiency of his previous races.

The unmistakable blue car of the Coronel twin brothers returned to action this year, this time in a brand-new CR7 T1+. Having previously competed in three editions of the Dakar Rally with the CR6, the brothers once again carried the Century Racing badge into the event. True to form, they tackled the rally in their characteristic, spirited style, embracing the challenges of the course while displaying exceptional sportsmanship. Known for their willingness to assist fellow competitors in difficulty, the Coronels remain a valued presence on the track - combining determination with camaraderie throughout the race.

Dakar 2025 marked a milestone year for Century Racing, not only in terms of competitive results but also in the depth of its international representation. From factory drivers achieving top-10 finishes to privateer teams and global partners bringing their own expertise, the event showcased the brand’s versatility, resilience, and spirit of collaboration. Despite mechanical setbacks and the unforgiving nature of the world’s toughest rally, Century Racing’s presence was felt across the bivouac — through standout performances, cross-cultural teamwork, and a commitment to supporting fellow competitors. As the dust settles on another Dakar, the team leaves with both hard-earned achievements and the drive to return even stronger.