It is a 14-day competition (a marathon, not a sprint) comprising 12 to 14 stages.
The modern Dakar takes place in Saudi Arabia, featuring a mix of rocky terrain, deep canyons, and massive sand dunes, especially in the Empty Quarter. Rally Desierto Dakar
Rather than just speed, the rally tests navigation skills, as teams receive their roadbook just minutes before each stage and must navigate via GPS and compass to hidden waypoints. It is a 14-day competition (a marathon, not
Competitors compete in five main categories: Bikes, Cars, Trucks, Quads, and SSVs (Lightweight Vehicles). Competitors compete in five main categories: Bikes, Cars,
The event requires a traveling city called a bivouac, which is moved nearly every day to house roughly 9,000 people involved in the organization, racing, and logistics.
During these stages, crews are not allowed external support, meaning they must fix their own vehicles or survive on their own skills.