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María Helena Tarruell Tibau is breaking new ground as the leader of the first all-woman Spanish truck team, preparing to make her mark in the challenging world of off-road racing.

EARLY YEARS

Growing up with motorsports in her blood, María is the niece of Rafael Tibau, a seasoned Dakar Rally veteran who has competed multiple times and provided support roles for the team. This family connection likely introduced her to the world of racing from an early age, setting the foundation for her future career.

EARLY SUCCESS

In 2021, María co-drove in the Dakar Classic with Pere Barrios in a Toyota HDJ80 Land Cruiser, finishing tenth overall, seventh in the H1 category, and fourth in H1.5. This impressive debut performance demonstrated her potential and passion for off-road racing competitions.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2021: Finished tenth overall and seventh in the H1 category as co-driver in the Dakar Classic[1].
• 2024: Formed Tibau Team, the first all-woman Spanish truck team, alongside navigator Jaqueline Ricci and mechanic Rebeca Aramburu[1].

REPUTATION

María is establishing herself as a pioneer for women in motorsports, particularly in the male-dominated truck racing category. Her leadership in forming the first all-woman Spanish truck team represents a significant milestone in breaking gender barriers in Spanish motorsports and demonstrates her commitment to promoting diversity within the sport.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

The ultimate goal for María and her team is to compete in the prestigious Dakar Rally proper, following their participation in developmental events like the Baja España Aragón. She aims to follow in the footsteps of other pioneering female drivers like Cristina Gutiérrez, who won the T3 category in the 2024 Dakar Rally.

References:

Tibau Team Forms First All-Woman Spanish Truck Team
El primer equipo femenino español