South Africa’s Sean Berriman joins forces with 2024 ‘Best Rookie’ Sara Price as part of Defender’s debut Dakar Rally entry, bringing a championship-winning pedigree to one of the world’s toughest motorsport challenges.
South Africa (03 September 2025)- South African rally‑raid star Sean Berriman is gearing up for the 2026 Dakar Rally, set to run from 3 to 17 January 2026 in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. Sean will co-drive alongside 2024 ‘Best Rookie’ Sara Price.
This is not the first time the duo has been paired together. The partnership follows their strong showing in the 2025 Dakar Rally, where they captured a Stage 4 win in the SSV category, while Sean also secured 4th place in the 2025 FIA World Rally‑Raid Championship SSV co-driver standings. His earlier Dakar success in 2020 further cemented his reputation as a top contender in the sport.
The Dakar Rally, widely regarded as the crown jewel of the World Rally‑Raid Championship (W2RC), challenges competitors with extreme desert landscapes and unpredictable terrain. Success requires not just speed, but flawless teamwork and navigation. This makes the role of the co-driver absolutely critical.
It is a very important task that lies ahead for Sean. Each day, he will receive a digital road book containing detailed information on distances, hazards, and symbols for the stage ahead. As co-driver, he will interpret the route, manage logistics, keep track of timing, and provide real-time guidance to Sara. In essence, while the driver focuses on conquering the demanding terrain, the co-driver acts as the team’s strategist, navigator, and anchor under high-pressure conditions.
Joining Sean on the Defender team are co-drivers Mika Metge and Oriol Vidal, creating a strong lineup for the brand’s first-ever Dakar Rally entry. Defender’s move into the Dakar highlights the prominence of rally‑raid, where precision is just as important as speed.
For Sean, the 2026 Dakar represents a chance to showcase South Africa’s talent, demonstrate the vital partnership between driver and co-driver, and continue a career defined by excellence.
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