Dakar Rally 2025: Epic 4,780-mile Saudi Desert Route Unveiled
Saudi Arabia will host the 47th Dakar Rally from January 3-17, 2025, marking its sixth consecutive year in the country. The challenging route covers approximately 4,780 miles, with over 3,100 miles of special stages.
Desert buggy racing through dunes
Key Features:
- Starts in Bisha
- Includes prologue and 12 stages
- Features a 48-hour "chrono" stage with mandatory overnight desert camping
- 340 total entries across categories
Notable Changes:
- Five stages will run on separate courses for motorcycle and car categories
- Reduced overtaking opportunities improve safety
- Separate routes eliminate bike tracks for car navigation
- Earlier start times minimize nighttime dune driving
Dakar Rally 2024 route map
The rally's final days will challenge competitors with extensive sand racing in Saudi's Empty Quarter. W2RC champions Ross Branch and Nasser Al Attiyah lead the FIM and FIA start lists respectively. The separated motorcycle and car routes account for 45% of the timed distance, representing a significant evolution in the race format.
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