Technical Regulations Dakar Classic 2026, whats new?
- Sven Syfrig
- Apr 29
- 3 min read
The Dakar Classic continues to evolve—and so do the technical regulations.
Anyone preparing for the 2026 edition must pay close attention to the updated rulebook. In this article, we highlight the key changes introduced in the 2026 technical regulations compared to 2025. Whether you’re a returning participant or planning your first Dakar Classic adventure, this comparison will help you prepare your vehicle to meet the latest requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison of 2025 vs. 2026 Regulations
Topic | 2025 Regulation | 2026 Regulation |
Engine (Art. 3.1) | Free type/preparation if period-correct | Defined periods (A: <1986, B: 1986–1998, C: 1999–2005); engine swaps allowed within period; fuel system must match period |
Suspension – Springs (Art. 5.3) | Springs must be identical; no coil spring swap allowed | Coil spring swap allowed if historically correct and within the same period |
Safety Belts (Art. 6.1) | FIA 8853/98 or 8853-2016 belts mandatory | FIA List No. 53 belts + mandatory HANS/FHR device (new Article 22) |
Fire Extinguishers – Cars (Art. 7.2) | 1 or 2 fire extinguishers depending on category | Same, but more specific: H1, H2, Trucks = 2×2kg; H3, H4 = 1×2kg; onboard systems now required for H3, H4 |
Fire Extinguishers – Trucks (Art. 7.2) | No extra requirement | New: 2×6kg extinguishers (DIN EN 3) at rear, visible and accessible from outside |
Extinguisher Trigger (Art. 7.1.3) | External triggers near circuit breakers | Now specified: bottom of windshield, one on each side |
General | Fewer references to FIA docs | Clearer structure, links to FIA Lists and drawings |
1. Engine Regulations (Art. 3.1)
2025: Engine type and preparation were "free as long as it matches the period."
2026:➔ Introduction of strict Period categories:
Period A: Vehicles before 1986
Period B: Vehicles from 1986 to 1998
Period C: Vehicles from 1999 to 2005 ➔ Engines can now be replaced with engines from other brands, but must belong to the same period. ➔ Fuel system type (carburetor or injection) must be preserved, unless both systems coexisted during the period.
2. Suspension - Springs (Art. 5.3)
2025: Springs must be identical to the period race vehicle; changing from leaf to coil springs was forbidden.
2026:➔ Now allowed to replace leaf springs with coil springs if an identical vehicle from the same period was originally fitted with coil springs.
3. Safety Belts and HANS (Art. 6.1 and new Art. 22)
2025: Use of FIA 8853/98 or 8853-2016 harnesses was mandatory. No specific mention of HANS devices.
2026: ➔ Harnesses must be compliant with FIA List No. 53.➔ Mandatory use of a Frontal Head Restraint (FHR, HANS device) for all participants. ➔ Harnesses must be FHR/HANS compatible. ➔ New Article 22 added entirely to define the use of FHR systems.
4. Fire Extinguishers (Art. 7)
2025: Manual extinguishers were required according to category and size.
2026: ➔ Manual extinguishers are mandatory for all categories:
2 fire extinguishers (2kg each) for H1, H2 and trucks
1 fire extinguisher (2kg) for H3, H4 ➔ Trucks must additionally carry two 6kg extinguishers (DIN EN 3 Class A, B, C) placed at the rear, clearly marked and accessible from outside.
5. Extinguisher Trigger Placement (Art. 7.1.3)
2025: External triggers near the circuit breakers.
2026: ➔ For cars, the two external extinguishing system triggers must now be installed at the bottom of the windshield, one on each side.
6. Minor clarifications
Small editorial improvements (e.g., clearer links to FIA standards, restructuring for better readability).
Reinforced cross-referencing to official FIA documents (Technical Lists, Regulations).
Summary
👉 Major new requirements:
Strict engine period categorization
Possibility of engine swaps between brands within the same period
More flexibility with spring types (if historically accurate)
Mandatory HANS/FHR devices for all participants
More demanding fire extinguisher requirements, especially for trucks
Need the Full Dakar Classic 2026 Technical Regulations?
We’re happy to provide both the Dakar Classic 2025 and 2026 technical regulations as PDF downloads.If you’d like a copy.
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