P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Dakar Rally preview: The leading contenders for victory in 2024
The 2024 Dakar Rally will be held entirely in Saudi Arabia and will feature a route that is significantly different from previous years. One of the main highlights of this year’s event is a two-day “chrono stage,” where competitors must cover as much ground as possible in a limited time. This stage also includes a “marathon stage” rule, meaning teams cannot provide overnight assistance to drivers. Five-time winner Nasser Al-Attiyah has switched from Toyota to Prodrive, which could have a significant impact on the results for both teams. Prodrive is seen as a serious contender for victory with its Hunter T1+ vehicle, especially with Al-Attiyah leading their attack. Toyota, despite the departure of Al-Attiyah, will still be a strong competitor with a roster of five factory cars, including 2009 winner Giniel de Villiers.
