Thrilling Dakar Rally 2024 is racing into Saudi Arabia

Thrilling Dakar Rally 2024 is racing into Saudi Arabia

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The route runs through AlUla, Riyadh, Jeddah, Hail and Yanbu.

Saudi Arabia, start your engines. Dakar Rally is back in the Kingdom, taking place until 19 January. The thrilling race goes through the country, from west to east and back again. If you want to watch the fun, here's what you need to know.

Dakar Rally 2024 consists of both on- and off-road racing across 5,000 kilometres. The route will start in AlUla and make its way through Saudi Arabia. The locations include Riyadh, Jeddah, Hail and it ends in Yanbu, which is on the shores of the Red Sea. David Castera, Race Director, explained: "The challenge will be just as daunting as last January." 

So far, we know that in AlUla, the start camp has now been extended into the desert. The bivouac will be located near the Nabataean temples, and offering a spectacular start to the race. 

Dakar Rally 2024 will also have new race tracks, and a new 48-hour challenge in the Empty Quarter. Sixty per cent of the route consists of new tracks, and there are nine bivouacs across the route. During the 48-hour challenge, there are no repair companions but drivers are permitted to help each other. Plus, it includes a course for motorbikes and quads, and another for cars and trucks. 

Dakar Rally 2024

Dakar Rally first started in Saudi Arabia in 2020. It has gained international recognition for using sustainable fuel and green vehicles. The race welcomed a female Saudi Arabian driver, Mashael Al Obaidan, for the first time in 2022. Last year, it featured more than 1,000 racers. 

Strap in, it's going to an electrifying ride.

GO: Visit www.dakar.com for more information.