Barcelona welcomed the Dakar Rally once again, after a visit last seen in 2005. In the 46th edition, the city transformed into a global logistics hub, with 800 vehicles undergoing technical verifications before their journey to Saudi Arabia. About 100 people gathered despite rain and gusts to photograph the vehicles and bid farewell to the Spanish drivers who would race in the Saudi desert from January 5 to 19.
As part of the Barcelona viu el Dakar initiative, the Catalan capital hosted the event from Marseille. Over Thursday to Saturday, the forum area buzzed with motorcycles, cars, and trucks undergoing technical checks in preparation for the rally. Access to the forum opened this Saturday, much like Friday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. City sports council members emphasized that the goal was to give citizens a front-row view of the rally vehicles and to engage the public in this world-class sporting event. David Escude spoke on behalf of the council.
Today marked a moment to celebrate the enduring bond between Dakar and Barcelona, a relationship celebrated since 1989. The city’s pride in hosting the event was on full display as social posts highlighted the unique partnership and the excitement surrounding the rally.
– BCN Esports shared messages of connection with the Dakar brand, underscoring the special link between the race and the city.
Cheering for Nani Roma
In the fifth Dakar edition held in Saudi Arabia, a new high bar was set, signaling a bold chapter 15 years after Roma’s last appearance in the African desert. The rally director noted that the event would be the toughest Dakar yet staged in Arabia. One notable innovation was a 48-hour marathon stage that would close the first week of competition.
Applause filled the pavilion as the crowd saluted the event’s two-time champion, Nani Roma. With Ford’s support, he prepared for his 27th Dakar appearance, aiming to leave a lasting mark. Roma called the moment among the most special in his long racing career. He had faced health challenges last year, including a cancer-related bladder issue, which temporarily kept him from the car. After his recovery, he returned to the dunes with renewed resolve. “I’ve been racing for over 30 years, but getting back in the car at Baja Aragon felt like starting over,” he remarked.
Wheelchair Bound Competitors
Roma did not forget the athletes who faced barriers to compete. Isidre Esteve and Albert Llovera continued their campaigns in wheelchairs, illustrating how sport can empower resilience. “Sport helps a lot. I faced a difficult situation, Isidre and Albert faced even tougher ones, but here we are. I have to fight,” Roma added.
Among the crowd favorites, Carlos Sainz, Laia Sanz, and Cristina Gutiérrez had to explain their absence via a video message as they focused on the final Extreme-E test in Chile. Of the 778 participants challenging the Saudi dunes, Spaniards formed a significant presence, second only to France, with 163 entrants. Women represented a minority, comprising about 6 percent of the total field, equating to 46 competitors.
“Live the Adventure”
The Dakar first arrived in Barcelona in 1989, when the former Free Trade Zone beach hosted an exhibition at the end of the rally’s initial stage before moving toward Tunisia. In 2005, Barcelona served as both the start and end point of the first leg. Eighteen years later, Dakar returned to Barcelona, this time as the departure point for Saudi Arabia. The organizers highlighted that some come to win, others to live the experience, and many to celebrate the pure magic of the Dakar—an sentiment echoed by the rally director.
The crowd’s excitement continued with remarks that capture the unique spirit of the event and the city’s ongoing love for motorsport adventures. The essence of Dakar, as described by organizers, is the blend of competition and exploration, the thrill of crossing deserts, and the shared joy of adventure among participants and fans alike.
Note: All observations and quotes reflect official communications and public attendance at the Barcelona leg and related Dakar activities, as recorded by event organizers and participating teams.