With Christmas just behind us and New Year’s Eve in sight, Dakar Rally participants are busy with other things: the final preparations before the start. With just 6 days to go, we look ahead and take you through those last days.
On various social media, the first posts from teams heading to Saudi Arabia are now appearing. The mechanics of the Coronel Rally Team are on their way, and Eurol Rallysport, the team with Mitchel and Martin van den Brink, have also left for the Middle East. Some teams choose to travel together, while others send their mechanics a few days earlier.
Collecting vehicles and registration
On December 30, teams are expected at the port of Yanbu to pick up their vehicles. There, they will also receive more information about the Start Camp in Yanbu. This process comes with various rules, such as the number of people allowed, the documents required, and which vehicles you can bring. The motorcycles, for example, are transported to the Start Camp by the organization.
From the port, the vehicles then travel by road to the Start Camp. It’s the first time since they were loaded onto the boat that they are started up, which is always an important moment.
In the days that follow, everyone involved in the Dakar caravan is expected to register. In a large tent, there are several tables where you need to collect the required stamps. A service mechanic needs different stamps than a photographer or a Dakar rider.
Preparing and testing vehicles
Between December 30 and January 3, there is time to prepare the cars. This applies to race vehicles, service vehicles, and media vehicles. Everything is checked and fitted with stickers. Navigation and tracking systems also need to be installed everywhere. This is all for safety. The participants’ clothing is also inspected; it must meet certain homologation requirements and rules. If something is not right, you have to quickly find a replacement item.
On January 1 and 2, the race vehicles undergo technical inspection. Many participants have already had a pre-inspection before shipping, but they still need to pass the inspectors from the FIM and FIA. Everything is sealed and registered, after which the motorcycles, cars, buggies, and trucks are ready for the rally.
There is also a special area where race vehicles can be tested, but not before they have the race stickers on them. Participants can, in principle, test as much as they want here.
Prologue and start podium
On January 3, the real start is finally here! For the teams, the waiting is finally over. The day begins with the prologue, after which they cross the start podium one by one. In the evening, from 7:00 PM, the starting positions are chosen by the top ten on two and four wheels. This is followed by the briefing for the first stage.
During the briefing, the organization explains the specifics for the next day and makes any necessary announcements. Every team must be present.
Dakar Classic participants have one extra activity that day: the start photo. All participants line up in starting order for the official photo, after which they must make their final choices: which speed group will they participate in.
Sunday, January 4 finally sees the first stage scheduled. Exactly one week later, we will know who the first leaders are in the various categories, and on Saturday, January 17, the rally will be over.
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