The 2024 Dakar Rally, the 46th edition of the storied event, continued the tradition of grueling cross-country racing by taking competitors across the challenging terrain of Saudi Arabia. The event unfolded between January 5th and 19th, marking the fifth consecutive year the Middle Eastern country played host. Renowned for its test of endurance and navigation, the Dakar Rally attracts participants who are eager to traverse the diverse landscapes, from expansive deserts to daunting dunes.

Categories in the rally included 137 bikes, 153 cars, 46 trucks, 10 quads, and 80 vehicles in the Dakar Classic category for historic models, each with their own set of challenges and stories of perseverance. This multi-stage event did not only put machines to the test, but it also focused on the skill and resilience of the competitors, navigating through the stages that spanned a cross-section of the Middle East’s coast-to-coast terrains.

Participants in the 2024 edition faced an arduous journey filled with strategic planning and sheer determination. New for this year was a variety of innovations in the rally’s format, including a new stage format, a new start camp, and the Mission 1000 program, all contributing to the evolving tapestry of the Dakar Rally experience. With these changes, the organizers of the Dakar Rally continued their mission to push the limits of the sport and maintain the event’s reputation as the world’s toughest rally race.

Competition Overview

The 2024 Dakar Rally offers a diverse and challenging race with multiple categories, varied stages, and a range of participants. It traverses the dramatic landscapes of Saudi Arabia, testing the limits of drivers and machines alike.

Competing Categories

The Dakar Rally 2024 includes several vehicle categories, each presenting a unique set of challenges:

• Bikes: Two-wheeled motorcycles racing over vast desert spaces.
• Quads: Four-wheeled all-terrain vehicles known for their agility.
• Cars: Including modified rally vehicles tailored for extreme terrain.
• Trucks: Heavy-duty competitors that bring size and power to the race.
• SSV (Side-by-Side Vehicles): Lightweight and versatile, offering a balance between cars and quads.
• Dakar Classic: A category for vintage racing vehicles, celebrating the history of the Dakar Rally.

Race Stages and Routes

The Dakar Rally 2024 unfolds across 12 challenging stages, starting with a prologue stage that determines the road order:

• Prologue Stage: A qualifying leg setting the stage for the competition.
• Marathon Stage: A two-day challenge where assistance from team mechanics is not permitted.
• 48h Chrono Stage: A unique race segment with specific rules and restrictions.

The routes traverse various Saudi Arabian terrains, including:

• AlUla: Known for historical significance and rocky terrain.
• Yanbu: Housing both the start and finish for particular stages.
• Red Sea: Coastal stretches that provide scenic yet demanding conditions.
• Empty Quarter: A vast desert expanse punctuated with towering dunes.

Notable Participants

Key figures in the race feature past masters and hopeful new entrants:

• David Castera: Renowned for his role in designing the race’s demanding routes.
• Renowned racers like Brabec and Sainz, who have proven their mastery over the dunes in past editions, are back to compete again.

The Role of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes play a critical role in the Dakar Rally:

• The country’s varied terrain provides an extensive test of navigation and endurance.
• The Empty Quarter and the Red Sea regions are particularly significant for their challenging and visually stunning landscapes.