The Spanish two-wheel talent will be one of the key contenders in the upcoming edition of the rally-raid taking place in Morocco. Riding her Yamaha WRF450 Rally Replica, Sara opens the doors to her world made of sand, challenges and pure passion. Here’s what she shared with us.
Sara is no ordinary rider. Her story speaks of a passion born within her family, and transformed -through determination and courage- into a career built step by step, marked by challenges and remarkable achievements. Born in Zamora, Spain, she grew up immersed in the world of motorbikes thanks to her father, who ran a Yamaha dealership for over thirty years. “Sarita,” as she is affectionately known, first got on a bike at the age of 14, a late start by high-level motorsport standards. But that didn’t hold her back. Quite the opposite.
With perseverance, curiosity, and a strong work ethic, Sara carved out her path in a world that demands much more than speed. In rally-raids, physical endurance, navigation skills, strategic race management and solid mental strength are just as crucial.
From her debut at the Raid Desert Trophy in Morocco in 2005 to her historic achievement as the first woman to complete the Intercontinental Rally in 2016 -with an impressive seventh place overall-, Sara has made her mark on the international motorsport scene. A Bajas World Champion, Spanish Rally TT Champion and Dakar Rally veteran -often racing without assistance in the demanding “Original by Motul” category-, she has proven that real strength lies in the ability to face the unexpected, staying calm and focused under pressure.
A mechanical engineer and board member of the Real Federación Motociclista Española, today Sara is also a prominent voice in the development of women’s motorsport and the offroad scene. And she’ll be at the starting line of the next FenekRally, set for November, racing with the Club Zamora Motor.
Sara©Jose Moro.
Sara, how did your passion for motorcycling begin?
You could say I was born with a motorbike in my DNA. My parents have always been part of the two-wheel world, running a Yamaha dealership for over thirty years. As a child, I spent hours in the shop, playing among helmets, bikes and leather jackets. I started riding at 14, when I asked my father for a bike so we could ride together on Sundays. It was love at first… acceleration.Of course, at that age many riders already have years of experience, but in rally-raid it’s not just about technique and speed. You need navigation skills, mental strength, endurance. It’s the balance of all these abilities that really makes the difference.
How has your engineering background influenced your racing career?
A lot. Engineering taught me discipline, time management and the importance of planning ahead. It was great mental training. During the most intense periods of my career -when I had to balance studying with racing- this preparation was essential.
What’s been your toughest moment… and your most rewarding one?
2018 was my most difficult year: I suffered three consecutive injuries and seriously considered quitting. But that’s exactly why finishing my first Dakar in 2020 was such a powerful and unforgettable achievement. On a personal level, the hardest challenge was going through my divorce. No race was as intense as that chapter of my life. Overcoming it was definitely my most meaningful victory.
Has the rally-raid world changed for women?
Things are improving: it’s now more common to see girls training on the circuits, which is a very positive sign. But we’re still far from full equality. Visibility is lacking, and without media coverage, it’s hard to get support from sponsors or companies willing to invest. Some women’s sports have made great progress, but rally-raid remains a niche.
Why did you choose the FenekRally? What do you like about it?
Morocco is one of my favourite places. The FenekRally combines well-designed technical routes -curated by Jordi Arcarons- with simple logistics and an affordable budget. It’s one of those rare chances to take part in a high-level rally without facing prohibitive costs.
If you could race with a motorsport legend, who would it be?
Without a doubt, Laia Sanz. She’s a pioneer who paved the way for so many women, and it would be an honour to race with her. As for my ideal teammate… he’s already by my side: my father. He’s my mechanic, my role model and sharing this journey with him is priceless.
What’s something you always carry in your rally bag?
An image of Saint James the Apostle. My mother gave it to me after one of her Caminos de Santiago. I always carry it with me as a lucky charm.
And what’s your favorite moment during a race?
Refueling. It’s the moment I get to connect with my team, we exchange valuable info, but above all, I feel their love and support. It’s a moment of calm in the middle of the storm, a connection that recharges me to push forward even stronger.
