9+1 things you definitely didn't know about the Dakar Rally

What is the Dakar Rally?

The Dakar Rally, formerly known as the Paris-Dakar Rally, is an extreme endurance race held annually and is one of the most recognizable sporting events in the world. During this race, riders and drivers travel long distances across difficult terrains such as deserts, mountain and forest areas using motorcycles, cars, trucks and ATVs.

The Dakar Rally features 14 special stages and a pole position which sets the starting order for the first stage. Each day corresponds to a special route, which starts and ends in a "Bivouac" - a kind of service area that follows the race every day. The riders, engineers and all the participants spend the night there. Between these 15 race days, there is one rest day. An important and distinctive feature of the Dakar Rally is its open nature to participation. The competition does not require a professional background, as it is open to everyone, especially amateurs. The only restrictions for participation are being over 18 years of age and holding an international diploma from the respective motoring associations (FIA or FIM).

10 Interesting Facts about the Dakar Rally

1. History: The Dakar Rally was created in 1978 by Frenchman Thierry Sabin, who had the idea of ​​organizing an endurance race that would cross the length of Europe and Africa, from Paris to Dakar, Senegal. Initially, the event was called the "Paris-Dakar Rally," and the first race started on December 26, 1978. Of course, his end was unpleasant, since he, along with four other members of the rally team, met a tragic end when the helicopter they were traveling in, crashed in Gourna District, Niger Republic.

2. Location: The location of the Dakar Rally has changed many times during its history. Originally, the race started in Paris, France and ended in Dakar, Senegal in West Africa. The competition then moved from Africa to South America in 2009 due to political unrest and security issues in the Dakar region, while last year, the competition was held in Saudi Arabia, where it has been held since 2020, specifically starting from Sea Camp and ending in in Dammam.

3. Route: The route of the Dakar Rally changes every year, as the race is organized in different locations and in different countries. Each edition of the race includes different terrains, such as deserts, plains, mountains, forests and rivers, creating a variety of landscapes and conditions that test the skills of the participants. The route is announced by the organizers before the start of the race and includes several stages or "stages", between which the riders must move and travel thousands of kilometers.

4. Vehicle Categories: The race includes 5 different categories: Motorcycles, Cars, ATVs, Trucks and Light Cross-Country Vehicles. Car drivers participate in specially equipped cars, including SUVs and trucks, that have been strengthened for the harsh conditions of the race.

5. Time: The Dakar Rally is held every year, usually in the first week of January. The exact start date and duration of the match may vary slightly depending on the year, but the matches always take place during the first month of the year. The Dakar Rally races last about 2 weeks and are held every year.

6. Difficulty: The Dakar Rally is considered one of the most enduring sporting events, with frequent difficulties such as weather conditions, technical problems and isolation. One of the outstanding features that make the Dakar Rally so unique is the sheer uncertainty that accompanies the participants. During the race, riders figure out their route after starting by following the directions from the "roadbook". The roadbook contains information that follows in an encrypted manner, making the hidden route a difficult challenge. A misdirection can have serious consequences, highlighting the demanding nature of the race. Riders must be careful and determined, facing this challenge during the race at speeds of over 100 km/h, creating an unpredictable and demanding competition.

7. Security: Safety is critical in racing as participants face the risk of accidents and injuries. That is why strict security measures are taken to protect the riders and their support team. These include accepting crash and safety helmets, using monitoring and communication systems, having medical teams and training riders to ride safely. There are periodic checks of the vehicles, fire protection systems, with security measures necessary for the safety of the participants and to ensure the integrity of the race, while the organizers closely monitor the progress of the race to react to any emergency.

8. Environment: At the Dakar Rally, there is a significant effort to maintain sensitivity to the environment. The organizers promote recycling actions and implement measures to reduce CO2 emissions during the race. Using sustainable materials and practices includes replacing plastic trash with reusable materials and limiting the use of single-use plastics. Participants are also encouraged to keep the environment clean during the race, while programs are being developed to raise awareness of the importance of sustainability in the sporting world.

9. Winners: Some of the legendary Dakar Rally winners include: Stéphane Peterhansel (14 wins), Cyril Neveu (5 wins), Cyril Despres (5 wins), Marc Coma (5 wins) and Carlos Sainz (4 wins).

10. Social Character: At various points along the route, the organizers carry out social activities and charity initiatives for the benefit of local communities and people who live in the area and are in need. The races often pass through isolated areas and local residents reciprocate by actively participating and providing support and hospitality to the riders.