The Saudi Motorsport Company, promoter of the Dakar Rally, has revealed details for the sixth consecutive running of this historic event in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Recognised as one of the world’s greatest sporting challenges, the Dakar is one of the oldest and most challenging races in international motorsports. It offers an extraordinary test of endurance for competitors, while also captivating spectators and guests each year.
Starting on 3 January, 2025, participants will embark from Bisha in the south of the Kingdom, head north along the Red Sea, and then east towards Shubaytah in the Empty Quarter, concluding on January 17th. The announcement was made during a virtual press conference hosted by ASO’s Rally Director, David Castera, who provided an overview of the event taking place exclusively within Saudi Arabia.
Continuing the tradition of exploring new routes, the 2025 Dakar Rally will traverse previously uncharted territories. Participants from around the globe will face a challenging two-week event, including a prologue, marathon stages, and a mass start. The entry list will include hundreds of competitors on both two and four wheels, who will navigate some of the Kingdom’s most breathtaking natural landscapes and historical areas.
Key Features of the 2025 Dakar Rally
Bivouac in Bisha:
For the third consecutive year, the base camp will be set up in Bisha, away from urban centres. Competitors will make final preparations and undergo technical and administrative checks here. The finish line of the prologue will be positioned right in the heart of the bivouac, creating a unique start for the rally.
48H Chrono Stage:
This year, the popular long stage will be extended to 950 km, featuring varied terrain that includes both fast and technical sections. Competitors will face this challenge in the first week, spending the night in basic bivouacs scattered across the desert.
Separate Courses:
To enhance safety and navigation, at least five stages will feature separate courses for different vehicle categories. This approach reduces the need for cars to overtake motorbikes and ensures that FIA specials can occur entirely during daylight hours.
Marathon Stage:
Riders and crews will be without their service teams on two occasions, including the traditional marathon stage and the 48h chrono stage. The dedicated bivouac will be off-limits to mechanical crews, making it crucial for participants to maintain their machines over distances exceeding 800 km.
Empty Quarter Finale:
Shubaytah will once again serve as the end point of the rally, offering a dramatic conclusion with a three-day exploration of the Empty Quarter. Competitors will traverse chotts and dunes, including a special stage extending over 400 km, before the final leg towards the finish.
Dakar Classic:
The Dakar Classic will expand its eligibility to vehicles registered between 2000 and 2005. This nostalgic competition could see the return of iconic vehicles like Stéphane Peterhansel’s Mitsubishi Pajero and the Bowler driven by Guerlain Chicherit and Mathieu Baumel.
Mission 1000, Act 2:
Building on its initial success, Mission 1000 will continue to test alternative technologies in the rally environment, with an increasing number of projects participating in 2025.
