Francesca Gasperi is an Italian co-driver participating in the 2025 Dakar Rally as a rookie. But this is over simplifying her story. She is a photographer chasing dust clouds, a journalist turned competitor, and a woman who refused to let the pandemic or closed doors extinguish her rally-raid ambitions. Through the dunes, financial hurdles, and the heartache of deferred dreams, Francesca’s mantra-never stop dreaming-propelled her from the sidelines to the Dakar’s starting podium. We had the opportunity to catch up with Francesca after the Dakar, here is her tale of how a restless spirit turned every "no" into fuel, proving that sometimes, the most extraordinary adventures begin when you dare to shift gears.