P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Sand, stones and high dunes: the 2024 Dakar Rally is just around the corner. Starting January 5, the real daredevils will once again compete in Saudi Arabia. That battle is more exciting and tougher than ever.
The Dakar Rally will take place in Saudi Arabia from January 5th to 19th, featuring a 48-hour marathon stage around Shubaytah. This stage is full of dangers and requires participants to stop at small bivouacs after 4pm on day one. Navigation and risk avoidance will be crucial in this sand-filled section of the rally.
The field of participants in the cars category is particularly strong this year, with five-time winner Nasser Al-Attiyah defending his title. He has moved to Prodrive Hunter, joining Sebastien Loeb, who is still searching for his first Dakar victory. Yazeed Al-Rajhi and Giniel de Villiers of Toyota will also pose a challenge, while Seth Quintero, a former SSV competitor, is a dangerous outsider.
Audi, with drivers like Stephane Peterhansel and Carlos Sainz senior, is considered a favorite for the win. However, the reliability of their hybrid car is a concern. Tim and Tom Coronel, as well as other Dutch participants, aim to finish in the top twenty.
The Dakar Rally continues to innovate, with the introduction of the M1000 class for electric, hybrid, and hydrogen vehicles. The rally covers a total distance of 7,289 kilometers between Al Ula and Yanbu.
