The 2024 Dakar Rally roars into action on Friday, January 5, marking its fifth edition in Saudi Arabia and the 46th overall. Five thousand kilometers of timed competition will unfold across twelve stages plus a prologue, pushing the event to its most demanding layout yet across the Saudi sands. In the prologue, Carlos Sainz driving for Audi and the cyclist trio of Santolino, Barreda, and Schareina will set the early pace as contenders for victory in the world’s toughest rally.
From January 5 through January 19, the Dakar Rally spans a total distance of 4,727 kilometers and a route length of 7,891 kilometers, stretching from Alula to Yanbu. The route traverses the iconic Saudi desert, including the infamous Empty Quarter, and introduces a new 48-hour marathon stage designed to test endurance. Fans will be thrilled by the challenge, while contenders may find the added complexity a potential obstacle on the road to the podium in Yanbu.
This fifth Saudi edition could prove to be the most grueling test yet, with more dunes and rapid navigation required. The expedition explores the vast, treacherous Empty Quarter and features a double marathon stage that many participants may not want to leave behind.
Following a rest day in Riyadh, the event resumes with a demanding and fast-paced second leg. Competitors must manage shifting terrain that will prevent title hopefuls from taking a single day off, whether they drive cars, ride motorcycles, or steer trucks toward the finish line.
New 48-hour trap and engine shutdown
Organizers and race director David Castera continue to innovate with formats designed to surprise and sharpen the competition. The 46th Dakar Rally introduces a 48-hour marathon stage, longer than before, set as a two-day challenge. During this period, drivers will assist one another only in the afternoon, and then the battle resumes after a rest at 7:00 a.m. the following day, with no live results or on-site technical support available.
Within the vast Empty Quarter, the marathon stage splits into two routes: one for motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, and another for cars and trucks. This separation ensures no advantage for any single vehicle class and increases the emphasis on precise navigation and strategic decision-making.
A strong lineup of Spanish contenders
Three Spanish riders on motorcycles are positioned to challenge for top results. Tosha Schareina continues his ascent after joining the official Honda squad and posting strong performances, including a podium run in Baja Aragón and a solid third in Morocco. His momentum after a series of solid Dakar finishes keeps him firmly in the hunt.
Veteran riders also loom large. Joan Barreda has left Honda for Hero and aims to improve on his fifth-place overall finish while chasing more stage wins to surpass his best tally. The field also includes Stéphane Peterhansel and Cyril Despres, renowned for their Dakar exploits, who remain formidable in this demanding desert arena.
Lorenzo Santolino, a consistent top-10 performer, comes into the race with ambition to push higher. The Sherco rider has proven his pace in recent years, finishing sixth in 2021 and ninth last year. He will be aiming to outpace rivals such as Toby Price and the leading KTM entries. Luciano Benavides, riding for GasGas, eyes a breakthrough alongside Sam Sunderland and Daniel Sanders as the competition intensifies in the T1 category.
In the car class, the Spaniards’ flagship effort centers on Carlos Sainz and Audi. Sainz returns to chase his fourth Dakar title in the Audi RS Q e-tron after prior triumphs in 2010, 2018, and 2020. The battle to dethrone him will feature the Toyota-backed teams and, in particular, the current titleholder, Nasser Al-Attiyah of Qatar with Prodrive, who is aiming to secure another victory on Saudi soil.
All eyes will be on whether Sainz can outmaneuver Al-Attiyah, especially given Al-Attiyah’s strong pace and the tactical strength of Prodrive. Toyota’s departure of a key asset from its lineup shifts the balance, yet the Japanese manufacturer remains competitive with new alliances, including a collaboration with Lucas Moraes and Overdrive, who will bring fresh energy to the field. Seth Quintero, a standout in the T3 class and second in 2023, remains a notable challenger for overall glory as the rally unfolds.
Isidre Esteve will be behind the wheel in the Toyota camp, part of the Repsol Toyota Rally Team, bringing experience and a renewable fuel focus as he bids to finish near the top ten. His campaign will be watched closely as the electric powertrain and sustainable strategies grow in importance for modern rallying. In a similar vein, Sainz will share the Audi cabin with fellow veterans including Stéphane Peterhansel and Mattias Ekström, while Ford relies on the seasoned Nani Roma, who returns to the dunes after a year away and a battle with personal health challenges.