Tobias Ebster, a pilot for HSV-Ried, achieved a remarkable ninth place finish in the Rally 2 category at the Dakar Rally. Despite facing unexpected challenges upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, including a taxi driver’s accident and a tight baggage check, he drove 800 kilometers to the rally’s start. Overcoming health issues and frigid temperatures, he secured second place in his category. Afterward, he celebrated with family and is now preparing for future rallies, aiming for Dakar 2026.
Unforgettable Dakar Rally Experience for Tobias Ebster
Tobias Ebster, the HSV-Ried pilot, made waves at the Dakar Rally held in January, showcasing impressive performances in the Rally 2 category and securing an overall ninth place finish. On a recent visit to Innviertel, he shared his incredible journey of adventure and challenges faced during the rally, which began sooner than anticipated.
Challenges Upon Arrival in Saudi Arabia
Upon landing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s bustling capital, things took an unexpected turn. “My taxi driver, who was meant to take me back to the airport the following day, unfortunately, had a minor accident shortly after we set off. It wasn’t anything serious, but it certainly disrupted our plans,” Ebster recounted. Although he managed to reach the airport, he arrived at baggage check just four minutes too late. “The staff suggested I could send my gear by post to the starting point, but that wasn’t an option for me,” he explained. In a twist of determination, he opted to rent a car and embarked on an 800-kilometer drive from Riyadh to Bisha, the rally’s starting point.
Once he arrived, the atmosphere shifted back to normal. “The paddock feels like one big family. While there’s fierce competition on the course, there’s also a spirit of camaraderie off the track,” said Ebster, reflecting on the close bonds he formed last year. After triumphing in the opening stage of the Rally 2 category, he faced the daunting challenge of ‘Stage 2’. However, the night before the stage, he struggled with significant health issues, stating, “I felt terrible—vomiting and utterly fatigued. I thought I wouldn’t be able to tackle the longest stage of the toughest rally in such a state.” Remarkably, he rallied his strength just in time to conquer the 992 kilometers over two days, maintaining his momentum throughout the rally’s duration.
Despite the uncomfortable temperatures, which left him wishing for warmth, Ebster persevered. “Every day, I hoped it would get warmer, but it continued to get colder,” he recalled, noting that he had to don a heated jacket during ‘Stage 9’. Ultimately, he secured a commendable second place in the Rally 2 category and a position in the top ten overall. “I thrive on the challenge. It’s surreal to meet my idols on the track. Just three years ago, I was watching the Dakar as a fan, and now I’m racing alongside the likes of van Beveren and Sanders—it’s truly unbelievable,” he reflected.
Though his initial years at Dakar were focused on learning, the visible successes now affirm that his dedication is paying off, as the KTM pilot shared: “I invest heavily in this sport. The financial commitment is significant, with an entry fee of €18,000, not to mention the costs of supporting my team. Without that, you’re left to navigate the challenges alone.”
After the celebratory award ceremony, Ebster returned to a warm welcome at home, where his grandmother surprised him with her famous lasagna—his favorite dish. With a bright future ahead, he is now gearing up for more rallies, with his eyes set on the ultimate goal: Dakar 2026.