Dakar Rally already over for some drivers due to positive test

It's almost time for the famous Dakar Rally, but for some participants the race is over before it has even started, reports Speedweek.

The 2022 edition of the rally will take place in Saudi Arabia. The drivers will start on January 1 and will finish after twelve stages on January 14 in Jeddah. Fortunately the Dakar Rally can continue as planned, but the pandemic has to be taken into account. Several participants have already felt this.

The rally has a coronavirus protocol which means that the competitors have to go into quarantine before departure and that they have to undergo several coronavirus tests just like in Formula 1. It has now been confirmed that Kirsten Landman will not start the rally because of a positive test. Giniel De Villiers was initially ruled out but this is no longer the case.

Update: Giniel de Villiers can participate after all

Earlier it was reported that the South African driver would not be able to participate in the rally due to a positive coronavirus test, but Toyota Gazoo Racing has just announced that he can go to Saudi Arabia after all. The competitor tested negative at the last minute. Hopefully the rally driver will be on time and will still be able to participate in this iconic event.

JUST IN: Toyota GAZOO Racing SA has announced that Giniel de Villiers has tested negative for COVID-19.

"Giniel is making his way to Jeddah at the moment. The travel arrangements are, tricky but the team is positive that they will find a way to get him here in time." #Dakar2022 pic.twitter.com/a8CI3BD9cH

— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) December 28, 2021