Dakar Rally enters modern era as Saudi Arabia hosts third chapter of the event

SPA

RIYADH, December 26 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Dakar Rally has evolved into a global motorsport event defined by endurance, exploration and adaptation, spanning nearly five decades and four continents since its inception.

The rally’s history has unfolded across three main phases: its original years in Africa, a subsequent period in South America, and its current chapter hosted in Saudi Arabia. Throughout these transitions, the event has combined technological development and enhanced safety measures with its core identity as a demanding test of navigation and endurance across deserts, mountains and open plains.

Since moving to Saudi Arabia in 2020, the rally has entered what organisers describe as a modern phase marked by technical and structural developments. These include the introduction of the Dakar Classic category in 2021 and the debut of hybrid rally vehicles in 2022, reflecting a broader shift toward innovation in motorsport.

In 2024, the launch of the “Mission 1000” initiative further positioned the rally as a platform for testing future mobility concepts and alternative energy solutions.

Saudi Arabia has become the host of this latest chapter of the Dakar Rally, with its varied geography and expansive terrain providing the conditions required for the event’s endurance-focused format while supporting its ongoing evolution.