Overview
The Dakar Rally (formerly the Paris-Dakar Rally) is the world's most famous and demanding off-road endurance rally. Founded in 1978 by French motorcyclist Thierry Sabine, the event was originally run from Paris, France to Dakar, Senegal. Since 2009, the rally has been held in South America and later Saudi Arabia.
The motorcycle category is the most competitive and traditional class, featuring solo riders navigating thousands of kilometers across deserts, mountains, and off-road terrain using only a roadbook and compass. The Dakar is considered the ultimate test of human endurance, navigation skill, and motorcycle reliability.
The Route
Historic Route (1979-2007)
Paris → Dakar, crossing the Sahara Desert through France, Spain, North and West Africa. Approximately 10,000-15,000 km over 15-20 days.
South America (2009-2019)
Argentina, Chile, Peru, Bolivia — crossing the Andes Mountains and Atacama Desert. High-altitude stages above 4,000m.
Saudi Arabia (2020-Present)
Saudi Arabian desert stages, including the Empty Quarter (Rub' al Khali). Approximately 8,000 km over 12-14 days.
Race Format
Stages
The rally consists of 12 stages over 14 days, with one rest day. Each stage includes:
- Liaison Section: Paved road transfer to the special stage start
- Special Stage: Timed off-road racing section
- Marathon Stages: Two-day stages where riders cannot receive mechanical assistance
Navigation
Riders navigate using a roadbook (roll chart) and an ICO trip computer. GPS is limited to emergency waypoint verification. Navigation skill is as important as riding speed.
Bike Classes
| Class | Engine | Notes | |-------|--------|-------| | RallyGP | 450cc | Top class, factory teams | | Rally2 | 450cc | Privateers and non-factory | | Original by Motul | Varied | "No assistance" category — self-sufficient riders | | Quad | Up to 900cc | Four-wheeled ATVs |
History
- 1977: Thierry Sabine gets lost in the Libyan desert and conceives the idea
- 1979: First Paris-Dakar Rally, 182 vehicles start, 74 finish
- 1980: First motorcycle category won by Cyril Neveu
- 1986: Sabine dies in a helicopter crash during the rally
- 1994: Motorcycle engines limited to 450cc
- 2000-2020: KTM's absolute dominance — 19 wins in 21 years
- 2008: Event canceled due to terrorist threats in Mauritania
- 2009: Move to South America (Argentina-Chile)
- 2020: Move to Saudi Arabia
- 2023: Youth and quad categories introduced for bikes
Legendary Riders
Stéphane Peterhansel (6 bike wins, 8 car wins)
"The King of Dakar" — the most successful Dakar competitor ever, with 14 overall victories split between bikes and cars.
Cyril Despres (5 wins)
Dominant in the KTM golden era (2005, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013), later transitioned to cars and won the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship.
Marc Coma (5 wins)
Spanish KTM rider who dominated the late 2000s (2006, 2009, 2011, 2014, 2015), known for exceptional navigation.
Toby Price (2 wins)
Australian rider, first non-European to win the Dakar on a bike in the South American era (2016, 2019).
Sam Sunderland (2 wins)
British rider (2017, 2022), won on both South American and Saudi Arabian terrain.