Eurovision Star Sam Ryder spotted arriving at festival gig in Dakar Rally off-road vehicle

Sam Ryder had his 'adrenaline racing' ahead of his performance at Basingstoke's CarFest. The 2022 Eurovision runner-up took to the stage last night to play an array of hits including his breakthrough ‘Space Man’ and new material, including his latest single 'The Feeling Never Went Away’.

The 'Space Man' star looked ready for his own space expedition as he was spotted in a racing suit being chauffeured to the festival in the Dacia Sandrider. He was seen emerging from a nearby train station in Micheldever, before climbing aboard his next mode of transport to the annual motoring event.

A spokesperson for Dacia said: "Sam Ryder in the Sandrider? We're proud to have delivered Sam in style. Sam has a real feel of rugged capability about him, which is also what the car is all about.

"He's a showman and confident in his own style, so seemed the perfect match for the vehicle, and while NASA might not be quite ready to put one of these into space, they're pretty useful most places here on earth."

Dacia embraced its outdoor spirit by taking part in the Dakar Rally and the World-Rally Raid Championship (W2RC). The races take in some of the world’s most demanding and harshest terrains, seeing cars scale peaks and make their way through treacherous turf.

The Sandrider itself is equipped with bodywork panels deemed absolutely essential only. The car is stripped back to basics, with no unnecessary frills and a strong focus on aerodynamics.

It has been strengthened with a consolidated subframe and bumpers, carbon bodywork, double wishbone suspension and a 4x4 transmission built for the gruelling requirements of rally-raid events.

An innovative electrical system maintains power for all on-board accessories, even in the most difficult conditions.

Inside the car, Sabelt seats are upholstered in special anti-bacterial fabrics that self-regulate humidity to help with punishing temperatures.

There is also a magnetic plate built into the car’s body to prevent the wheels’ fixation bolts getting lost in the sand.

Sam Ryder added: "Stoked to take one of these to Car Fest! The festival's all about new and innovative vehicles, so this definitely hits the mark. There's nothing like getting the adrenaline racing right before a show."