
Rally Dakar
​the most challenging and arduous motorsport competition in the world
The Dakar Rally is an annual off-road endurance event, renowned for being one of the most challenging and arduous motorsport competitions in the world. Originally named the Paris-Dakar Rally, it was inaugurated in 1978, starting in Paris, France, and concluding in Dakar, Senegal. However, due to security concerns and other logistical reasons, the rally's location has changed over the years. Since 2020, the event has been held in Saudi Arabia.
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​The Dakar Rally is open to amateur and professional entries. Competitors race in various vehicle classes, including motorcycles, quads, cars, UTVs, and trucks. The rally is notorious for its grueling routes that span several days, often covering thousands of kilometers through challenging terrains such as deserts, dunes, mud, camel grass, rocks, and erg among others. These terrains test the endurance and skill of the competitors and the resilience of their vehicles.
​Unlike most traditional racing events, the Dakar Rally is not about the fastest time on a single, contained track. Instead, it's a multi-stage rally raid where navigation skills are as critical as driving or riding skills. Participants must navigate vast and complex landscapes, often with minimal guidance, while maintaining their vehicles and managing their resources.
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The Dakar Rally is not just a test of physical endurance and mechanical reliability but also of mental toughness. Competitors face extreme weather conditions, navigation challenges, mechanical failures, and the sheer exhaustion of long-distance off-road racing. Despite these challenges, the Dakar Rally attracts a significant number of entrants each year, ranging from seasoned professionals to adventurous amateurs, all drawn to the thrill and prestige of completing what is often referred to as the "world's toughest race."
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Our Dakar Rally Track Record
Dakar Rally 2022
Adi Ruhaltinger, Ernst Armot, Uwe Götzel and
Sven Syfrig competed in the 2022 Dakar Rally with a Peugeot 405, showcasing skill and teamwork in this challenging race.

Dakar Rally 2024
At Dakar Rally with Ruppert Motorsport: More diesel power, larger vehicles, supporting Mercedes SK1735 race truck with a Ginaf 6x6 service truck.

Dakar Rally 2025 Key Information
The 47th edition of the Dakar Rally is set to take place from January 3 to 17, 2025, traversing the challenging terrains of Saudi Arabia. This iconic rally will commence in Bisha and conclude in Shubaytah, covering approximately 7,700 kilometers, with over 5,000 kilometers dedicated to timed special stages.
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Route and Stages
The 2025 route introduces significant challenges early on, featuring a 48-hour chrono stage on the third day, spanning around 950 kilometers over two days. Participants will navigate diverse landscapes, including the formidable dunes of the Empty Quarter, testing both their endurance and navigation skills. Notably, five stages will have separate courses for motorcycles and cars, enhancing safety and increasing navigational difficulty.
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Key Competitors and Teams
The competition will see a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. The Monster Energy Honda HRC team fields a strong lineup, including defending champion Ricky Brabec, Tosha Schareina, Adrien Van Beveren, Skyler Howes, and Pablo Quintanilla. In a notable development, former rivals Toby Price and Sam Sunderland have teamed up to compete in the car category, driving a Toyota Hilux.
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Vehicle Innovations
Dacia is making a significant entry with the Dacia Sandrider, developed in collaboration with Prodrive.The team boasts drivers like five-time Dakar winner Nasser Al-Attiyah, Sébastien Loeb, and Cristina Gutiérrez. Additionally, Ford Performance has enlisted Carlos Sainz Sr. and Mattias Ekström to pilot the Ford Raptor T1+, marking Ford's return to the rally.
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Technological Advancements
The 2025 edition sees the implementation of a digital roadbook for motorcycles, aiming to enhance navigation efficiency and safety. This system, previously used in the car category, offers practical benefits but also presents challenges related to visibility under certain conditions.
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Cultural and Sporting Impact
The Dakar Rally continues to be a premier event in the motorsport calendar, attracting global attention and showcasing the diverse landscapes of Saudi Arabia. The 2025 edition promises to deliver unparalleled excitement and competition, reinforcing its status as the ultimate test of endurance and skill in rally racing.
For more detailed information on the route and stages, visit the official Dakar Rally website.
The History of the Paris–Dakar Rally
A Legendary Motorsport Journey
The Paris–Dakar Rally, one of the most iconic events in motorsport history, began in 1979 as a bold adventure crossing continents. The brainchild of French motorcyclist Thierry Sabine, this epic race was inspired by his own experience of getting lost in the Libyan desert during the 1977 Abidjan-Nice Rally. His vision? To create a challenge that would test both man and machine to their limits while showcasing the spirit of exploration and endurance.
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Origins: Paris to Dakar
The inaugural rally started in Paris and wound its way through France, crossing into the treacherous terrains of North Africa before reaching its final destination in Dakar, Senegal. The race's original route covered thousands of kilometers, blending European roads with the challenging sand dunes and harsh landscapes of the Sahara Desert. The unpredictable nature of the course became a defining feature, setting the stage for a competition where preparation, skill, and perseverance were key.
A Global Motorsport Phenomenon
Over the years, the Paris–Dakar Rally evolved from a niche rally raid into a globally recognized motorsport event. Its ability to attract participants from diverse backgrounds—amateur adventurers, seasoned professionals, and world-renowned manufacturers—cemented its reputation as the pinnacle of rally raid competitions. Iconic vehicles like the Mitsubishi Pajero, Peugeot 205 T16, and Yamaha XT500 became legends in their own right, conquering some of the toughest stages in the rally's history.
A New Chapter: The Dakar Rally
In 2009, the rally underwent a transformative shift, moving from its original African setting to South America due to security concerns. This change opened up new challenges and breathtaking landscapes, with competitors tackling deserts, mountains, and salt flats in countries like Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia. In 2020, the event moved again, this time to Saudi Arabia, where vast deserts and rocky terrains continue to challenge even the most experienced rally raid teams.
The Spirit of Adventure
Through its history, the Paris–Dakar Rally has remained true to its roots: a celebration of resilience, ingenuity, and the unrelenting human desire to conquer the unknown. As a cornerstone of rally raid motorsport, it continues to inspire adventurers, engineers, and motorsport enthusiasts alike, leaving a lasting legacy that goes beyond the finish line.
TimeOut Racing honors the incredible history of the Paris–Dakar Rally by embracing the spirit of competition and adventure that defines rally raid.
Join us as we celebrate the pioneers, champions, and dreamers who have made this race a symbol of excellence in motorsport.