The 2024 Dakar is about to take off, promising an exhilarating adventure in the heart of Saudi Arabia. Find out key details such as the route, dates, schedule, TV broadcast and much more.
DATES AND ROUTE OF THE DAKAR 2024
The 46th edition of the legendary Dakar Rally will begin on Friday January 5, 2024 , kicking off an epic competition that will take place exclusively in Saudi Arabia . This country, host of the Dakar since 2020, will once again host this emblematic race. The route will span 5,000 kilometers, offering participants a unique challenge across the varied landscapes of the Arabian Peninsula.
A NEW FORMAT AND BROADCAST!
The 2024 edition brings its share of new features, with a new race format called “48 hours flat”. Scheduled for January 11 and 12, this event will take place in the Empty Quarter, one of the largest sand deserts in the world. Competitors will have to respect a mandatory 16-hour stop before resuming the race the next day at 7 a.m. A unique way to test participants' endurance in extreme conditions.
In addition, the Dakar 2024 will be broadcast on La Chaîne L'Équipe , marking a first for the Amaury group. The daily broadcast will include highlights such as "Le grand direct", "Le journal du Dakar" and summaries to keep you informed of the action in the different categories (cars, motorcycles, trucks or "Classic"). She will devote nearly four hours of air time daily.
KEY DATES AND CHANGES
Unlike the previous edition, the start of the 2024 Dakar will be delayed by five days, starting on January 5. This decision was taken to avoid any interference with the Christmas festivities, providing teams with a much-needed respite. Dakar director David Castera also confirmed that Saudi Arabia will remain the preferred location for the Dakar until 2029, while leaving the door open to the possible addition of other countries in the future.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE AND HOW MANY DRIVERS EXPECTED?
The beauty of the Dakar lies in its diversity. Anyone over 18 can participate, whether professional or amateur. Registration fees vary depending on the vehicle category, with costs of €18,000 for motorcycles, €30,000 for cars, and €45,000 for trucks.
For this edition, 354 vehicles, including 137 motorcycles, 10 quads, 72 cars in Ultimate, 42 in Challenger, 36 in SSV, and 46 in Truck are expected to depart from AlUla.
THE TITLE HOLDERS AND THE WINNER’S TROPHY
The 2023 edition saw the victory of Qatari Nasser Al-Attiyah and Frenchman Mathieu Baumel in the car category, while Argentinian Kevin Benavides triumphed in the motorcycles. Find out who will take home the distinctive trophy representing the "sheich of the Dakar", an artistic work weighing 9 kg, in polished bronze with a touch of gold for the big winners.
Kevin Benavides ©lTeam
Nasser Al-Attiyah and Mathieu Baumel ©lEquipe
HOW TO FOLLOW THE DAKAR 2024?
So you don't miss any of the action, La Chaîne L'Équipe will be your ally offering daily coverage with special shows such as "Le grand direct", "Le journal du Dakar" and summaries. A perfect way to stay connected to this captivating adventure.
The 2024 Dakar promises to be an exceptional adventure, uniting participants from around the world in a thrilling competition across the deserts of Saudi Arabia. Stay tuned to live this unique experience, where the passion for racing meets the immensity of the desert!