RIYADH: Preparations for the second edition of Dakar Saudi Arabia took a major step forward as a recce got underway from Jeddah to determine the all-new route for the world’s most challenging desert race.
Organizers of Dakar Saudi Arabia continue to put the final touches before announcing details of the stages and the total distance of the race, which will launch on 3 January from Jeddah and travel throughout the Saudi desert before crossing the finish line and crowning the winners back in Jeddah on 15 January.
With the inaugural race in January 2020 taking the motorsport world through 7,500 kilometers of Saudi desert beauty, reconnaissance for next year’s event aims to guarantee the same levels of quality the first edition has produced. It also reflects the progress made in Saudi Arabia’s preparations as the country continues to build its legacy as a regional and international motorsports hub.
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The countdown to Dakar Saudi Arabia 2021 started in June when organizers unveiled initial details about the new route, which will feature a rest day in Hail on 9 January. The official announcement also featured the new technical and safety regulations that will be introduced in the 43rd edition of Dakar Rally. Registration is now open for drivers and teams to take part in the race.
Dakar Saudi Arabia 2021 will see the debut of Dakar Classic, a new category for vehicles that were designed before 2000 and previously competed in Dakar as well as vintage cars and trucks.
A set of new regulations will include handing out the road book just 10 minutes before the start of the race stages, while competitors will also receive aural warnings as they approach danger zones to keep them alert and maximize their safety
Dakar Saudi Arabia 2020 saw 563 pilots register from 68 countries to compete in five categories across 7,500km of unique terrain throughout the Kingdom’s uncharted desert.
Dakar Rally is being staged in Saudi Arabia for the second consecutive year as part of a 10-year agreement between the kingdom and Dakar Rally organisers Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO).
