Lorenzo Santolino renews with Sherco for two years: “I still want to race”

Sherco Racing has announced the renewal of Lorenzo Santolino’s contract with Sherco TVS Rally Team in rally-raid and the Dakar Rally for two more seasons, an agreement that continues the Spanish rider’s long-term commitment to the French manufacturer.

The news solidifies a relationship that is unusual in today’s off-road world: Lorenzo Santolino has now been with Sherco for 13 years, first in enduro and, since his move to rally-raid, as one of the key figures in the desert project. The rider has eight Dakar Rally appearances with the brand and will remain with the French manufacturer, at least until completing a decade in the Saudi Arabian event on the number 15 machine.

Contract renewal in the works before Dakar

Although the 2026 Dakar Rally took an early turn for the worse for Sherco – with Harith Noa and Santolino forced out due to crashes and Bradley Cox the only team rider to reach the finish line – the Spaniard’s continued participation was already on the table even before the start.

“We had been talking for a while before the Dakar.” Says Santolino speaking to Enduro21. “On the one hand, they intended to continue, and they also wanted to know what my thoughts were: whether I wanted to keep competing or not. And, honestly, it was easy.”

The context wasn’t ideal as the Spaniard arrived at the year’s biggest event far from his best after breaking his foot at the end of November, an injury that forced him to accelerate his recovery timeline to be able to start and compete with confidence.

Even so, the rider from Salamanca insists that his decision stems from a key factor: motivation and confidence in the project. “I know the team, I know what can and can’t be done, and we understand each other very well. In that sense, I’m at ease. Also, I am aware of what they want to achieve, and, most importantly, I still have the desire to race,” Loren adds.

13 years with Sherco, eight Dakars, historic stage win and sixth place finish

Santolino’s career with Sherco isn’t solely defined by results, but by continuity, commitment, and team building. After a solid stint in the EnduroGP World Championship, Lorenzo debuted in the 2019 Dakar Rally (Peru) and achieved his best result in 2021, with an overall sixth place that became one of the brand’s greatest sporting achievements in the race.

Since then, Santolino has established himself as a cornerstone of the French firm’s rally program, playing a key role in both the team’s competitive growth and the bike’s development in an environment dominated by teams with greater resources.

Objective: to fight for stages and the overall title again

Beyond the contract renewal, Santolino is focused on regaining the momentum of recent seasons: fighting for stage wins and staying in contention for the overall classification whenever the race allows.

“I’m happy to be able to continue together, to keep contributing to this project, and eager to achieve good results, like last year: winning a stage and fighting for the overall. I think it’s something we can aspire to and something I have to strive for.”

Photo Credit: Sherco + Edo Photo