Hermann Neubauer: A dream comes true – the Dakar challenge!

Hermann Neubauer: A dream comes true – the Dakar challenge!

The Lungau rally driver Hermann Neubauer, 36 years old, caused a stir at the January rally, the first race of the season in Austria. Despite a broken windshield and wearing ski goggles, he set the best time on one of the special tests and thus proved his skills. The race took place in the Mühlviertel and was a spontaneous participation for Neubauer, as he only got a place in the Ford Fiesta Mk2 Rally2 shortly before the rally orf.at reported. He received the offer from his former team ZM-Racing, with whom he has been friends for years.

The dream of the Dakar

Neubauer's sporting focus is already directed towards an even more ambitious goal: taking part in the legendary Dakar Rally. This challenge requires not only speed, but also precise navigation over diverse and unfamiliar routes that represent a completely different type of rallying. “It would be a dream to realize that,” explains Neubauer. In order to get started in the Dakar, however, he needs a budget of around 500,000 euros sn.at reports. He would like to compete in the “Side by Side” category, which includes buggy-like two-seaters, and is relying on his good network for financing.

With his previous success at the January Rally and his sporting ambitions, Neubauer is well prepared. “It remains purely a fun story,” he emphasizes regarding his current achievements, although it remains to be seen what other challenges the 2025 rally season has in store for him. There are still a few cool races on his wish list while he decides what to do next with his career.