Dakar Rally

The Dakar Rally is one of the toughest and most iconic rally raids in the world. The race is known for extreme conditions, long distances, and harsh terrain. Each year, competitors from all over the globe take on deserts, mountains, and dunes, testing both their endurance and technical skills. The event features motorcycles, cars, trucks, quads, and SSVs (buggies). The name “Dakar” refers to the capital of Senegal, where the rally originally finished.

The Dakar Rally was founded in 1979 by French adventurer Thierry Sabine. The original route ran from Paris to Dakar, Senegal. Due to security issues in West Africa, the rally was moved to South America in 2009. Since 2020, the event has been held in Saudi Arabia. Despite these geographical changes, the essence of the rally remains the same: an extreme test of man and machine.

The Dakar Rally usually lasts two weeks and takes place every January. Competitors cover hundreds of kilometers per day across off-road terrain, with the total route often exceeding 8,000 kilometers. The rally is made up of timed special stages, linked by liaison sections. Navigation is crucial: participants must find their way using a roadbook and GPS across unfamiliar landscapes.

The competitors range from professional factory drivers to passionate amateurs. Manufacturers such as Toyota, Audi, MINI, and Ford enter with specialized vehicles and extensive support teams. In the motorcycle category, KTM, Honda, and Yamaha are among the main contenders. Many privateer teams also take part, often with fewer resources but a wealth of experience and determination.

The Dakar Rally is considered the toughest rally in the world due to its combination of long stages, difficult navigation, extreme temperatures, and physical exhaustion. Competitors often sleep in tents at bivouacs, repair their own vehicles, and battle fatigue, injuries, and mechanical issues. Medical staff and mechanics work around the clock to keep drivers and machines in the race.

The Dakar Rally has produced many legendary winners. Stéphane Peterhansel holds the record with 14 victories, split between motorcycles and cars. Other big names include Cyril Despres, Marc Coma, and Carlos Sainz Sr.

The 2025 Dakar Rally was once again staged in Saudi Arabia. This edition was marked by heavy sandstorms, technical issues, and surprise retirements. Big names like Nasser Al-Attiyah and Sébastien Loeb missed out on victory, while former champion Carlos Sainz Sr. retired early after a crash. In the motorcycle category, the main battle was between Honda and KTM.

The 2026 Dakar Rally will take place from January 3 to 17 in Saudi Arabia. It will be the seventh edition in the Middle East. The start and finish will be in Yanbu, a port city on the Red Sea. The route is approximately 8,000 kilometers long, with 5,000 kilometers of timed special stages. Two marathon stages are scheduled, in which competitors must camp overnight without assistance. The rest day will take place halfway through in Riyadh. Once again, the event will serve as the opening round of the FIA-FIM World Rally-Raid Championship.