Daniel Elena

Daniel Elena

Daniel Elena was born on October 26th, 1972

Nationality: Monegasque
Profession: Racing driver
Series: Rallying, Formula racing
Notable Wins: Multiple rally championships
Role: Professional racing driver
Active Years: 1990s-present
Co-driver: Daniel Elena
Team: Citroën, others

Written by: Emily Carter Emily Carter

Daniel Elena: The Unstoppable Codriver

The World Rally Championship's Most Successful Codriver

Daniel Elena, also known as "Danos," is a Monégasque rally codriver renowned for his incredible partnership with Sébastien Loeb. Together, they have won an unprecedented nine World Rally Championship titles, solidifying their position as one of the most successful driver-codriver duos in WRC history.

Career Highlights and Major Works

  • 79 wins together, making him the codriver with the most victories in WRC history
  • Won every event they finished in the Citroën Saxo Trophy in 1998, followed by the overall trophy itself in 1999
  • claimed the French national championship in a Citroën Xsara Kit Car in 2001
  • Finished 2nd overall on the 2001 San Remo Rally, marking their first start for Citroën's WRC team
  • Secured their first win at Rallye Deutschland in 2002, followed by a full-time commitment to the WRC in 2003

In 2003, the duo became teammates to former world champions Colin McRae and Carlos Sainz, outscoring them both to finish the season second overall.

The Unstoppable Reign

From 2004 to 2012, Loeb and Elena dominated the WRC, claiming nine consecutive World Rally Championship titles. During this period, they established themselves as one of the most formidable and consistent driver-codriver pairings in the sport.

Post-WRC and Dakar Adventures

After Loeb's initial retirement from WRC in 2013, Elena continued to compete, eventually reuniting with Loeb in 2018 for Citroën. The pair returned to the WRC in 2019, competing with Hyundai Motorsport and securing a few select events.

In addition to their WRC endeavors, Loeb and Elena entered the Dakar Rally between 2016 and 2019, driving a modified Peugeot 3008 and reaching the podium twice.

A Legacy of Success

Daniel Elena's accomplishments speak volumes about his exceptional skill, adaptability, and partnership with Sébastien Loeb. As the most successful codriver in WRC history, Elena's legacy will continue to inspire generations of rally enthusiasts and competitors alike.

Throughout his illustrious career, Elena has cemented his status as an integral part of the WRC community, and his achievements will forever be etched in the annals of motorsport history.

Timeline
1978
Born in Monaco
Daniel Elena was born in Monaco on September 26, 1978. He would go on to become a successful rally car driver.
1996
Racing Debut
Elena made his racing debut in the French Rally Championship at the age of 18.
2004
Joined Citroën Total WRT
Elena joined the Citroën Total World Rally Team alongside Sébastien Loeb, starting a successful partnership.
2007
Won Rally Finland
Elena and Loeb won the Rally Finland, marking their first World Rally Championship victory.
2012
Won the WRC Co-Drivers Championship
Elena won the World Rally Championship Co-Drivers Championship title alongside Loeb.
Daniel Elena

Daniel Elena Quiz

What is Daniel Elena's profession?

Score: 0/5
FAQ
What is Daniel Elenas profession and what is he known for?
Daniel Elena is a Monegasque race car driver and co-driver, known for his success in the World Rally Championship (WRC) and other international rallying competitions.
Who has Daniel Elena driven with in the WRC?
Daniel Elena has driven with several notable drivers in the WRC, including Sébastien Loeb, with whom he won multiple championships.
What are Daniel Elenas accomplishments in the WRC?
Daniel Elena has won multiple championships and rallies in the WRC, including nine World Rally Championship titles and 78 rally wins.
What is Daniel Elenas driving style like?
Daniel Elena is known for his calm and precise driving style, which has earned him a reputation as one of the most skilled and consistent co-drivers in the WRC.
What is Daniel Elenas role in a rally team?
As a co-driver, Daniel Elenas role is to navigate the route, provide pace notes to the driver, and help the team to optimize their speed and strategy.

Related People:

Sébastien Loeb

52 Years Old

A nine-time World Rally Championship winner, dominating the sport with his exceptional driving skills and versatility in various racing conditions.

Daniel Sordo

43 Years Old

Mikko Hirvonen

46 Years Old

A Finnish rally driver with a successful career in the World Rally Championship, winning 15 rallies and finishing as runner-up in the championship four times.

Jari-Matti Latvala

41 Years Old

A Finnish rally driver with 18 WRC wins, known for his speed and consistency in the World Rally Championship.

Petter Solberg

51 Years Old

A Norwegian rally and rallycross driver who won the World Rally Championship in 2003 and is known for his aggressive driving style.

Markko Märtin

50 Years Old

Estonian rally driver who won 5 World Rally Championship events and finished 2nd in the drivers' championship in 2004. Known for his speed and consistency in the WRC.

François Duval

45 Years Old

Belgian racing driver who competed in the World Rally Championship, winning several rallies and earning a reputation for his speed and consistency.

Colin McRae

58 Years Old

A Scottish rally driver who won the World Rally Championship in 1995 and was known for his aggressive and attacking driving style. He also had a popular video game series named after him.