The Dakar Rally 2025 is just around the corner, and excitement for the world’s toughest race is growing every day. This year, the competition will once again take place in Saudi Arabia, reaffirming its position as one of the most challenging territories for the participating drivers and teams. Action will begin on January 3 in the city of Hail and conclude on January 17 in Dammam, after covering 12 stages with more than 5,000 timed kilometers.
This edition promises to surprise with new routes, technical challenges, and extreme weather conditions. A notable change is a strategic separation of routes for motorcycles and cars on certain sections, designed to increase both safety and navigation difficulty. Additionally, the competition will feature key days, such as the scheduled rest day on January 10 in Riyadh, providing drivers with a brief respite before resuming the journey to the finish line.
FAVORITES FOR DAKAR
In the car category, iconic names are emerging as major contenders. Carlos Sainz, who returns after a brilliant 2025 season, will be aiming for another Touareg trophy to add to his impressive career. Alongside him, figures like Nasser Al Attiyah, now with the Dacia team, and Sébastien Loeb, eager to claim his first title, promise a fierce battle for the podium. However, the absence of Stéphane Peterhansel leaves an opportunity for other teams to surprise, including Ford and Mini, who have strengthened their squads.
In the motorcycle category, the competition will be no less intense. Riders like Kevin Benavides, Pablo Quintanilla, and Ricky Brabec lead the list of favorites, while Spaniards Tosha Schareina and Lorenzo Santolino arrive with renewed aspirations. Despite the retirements of Toby Price and Sam Sunderland, the category maintains its reputation as one of the most demanding of the Dakar, where endurance and strategy will be key.
DEBUTANTS AND THEIR CHALLENGES
The Dakar Rally 2025 will also mark the debut of several rising stars who are eager for success. Among them, Spanish rider Edgar Canet stands out as one of the most anticipated figures. Supported by the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, he will compete in the Rally2 category with the goal of establishing himself as a reference in rally motorcycling. After showcasing his talent in events like the Rallye du Maroc, Edgar will face the Saudi dunes with a clear focus: to learn and complete the race.
For the rookies, the greatest challenge lies in adapting to the complexity of the Dakar. Navigation, extreme conditions, and physical wear and tear are obstacles that even the most experienced drivers must contend with. However, these debutants come with the support of solid teams and the motivation to build their legacy in one of the most iconic events in motorsport.
