+++ News Flash +++
- Dakar 2028: New class for 450cc twins according to Instagram report, no ASO regulations yet
- Dubai International Baja: Penultimate round of the FIM Bajas World Cup runs until 8 November
- Dakar 2027: MOTOVOLA offers motorcycle transport to Málaga for fans
- Dune Rally Tunisia: Early-bird price valid until 15 November
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+++++ Dakar: New Class for 450cc Twins Reported for 2028, Regulations Still Outstanding
The Dakar is said to be getting its own class for production-based 450 cc twin-cylinder motorcycles from 2028. This is reported by the Instagram channel Chasing Waypoints in a post dated 5 November 2026, which cites statements made at the EICMA motorcycle show. According to the post, the frame, electronics and swingarm remain standard, while suspension, wheels and brakes may be modified. The class is reportedly due to be used for the first time at the Rallye du Maroc 2027. The author himself writes that the organiser ASO has not yet published the rules; there is no official confirmation from ASO. He names the CFMOTO 450MT with its 449 cc parallel twin as his favourite for many places on the grid.
+++++ Dubai International Baja: FIA Finale and Penultimate Round of the FIM Bajas World Cup
The Dubai International Baja runs from 5 to 8 November 2026. For motorcycles, according to RallyTracks.nl, it is the penultimate round of the FIM Bajas World Cup and the finale of the FIM Asia Baja Continental Championship, while for cars it concludes the FIA World Baja Cup and the FIA Middle East Baja Cup. According to Travels Dubai, the organiser is the Emirates Motorsports Organization (EMSO); the prologue is announced there as open to spectators free of charge. The prologue on Friday, 6 November, in Mushrif Park is new. The stewards set it at 4.5 kilometres, even though Article 32.2 of the 2026 FIA regulations requires a minimum of 5.0 kilometres for cross-country rallies; the FIA granted an exemption. Two stages in the Al Qudra dunes follow on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November, with the bivouac at Dubai Festival City.
In the FIA World Baja Cup, Francisco Barreto (Portugal, Toyota Hilux IMT Evo) leads ahead of the final round with 338 points, ahead of Mitchel van den Brink (Netherlands) with 315 points. According to RallyTracks.nl, van den Brink is 80 points ahead of Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari in the Challenger class; Al-Kuwari is not starting in Dubai. The reports cited give no current standings for the motorcycle classification in the FIM Bajas World Cup.
+++++ Dakar 2027: Provider MOTOVOLA Offers Motorcycle Transport to Málaga
The transport provider MOTOVOLA is promoting a package for fans who want to follow the Dakar 2027 on their own motorcycles. According to the offer text dated 23 October 2026, the rally starts on 6 January 2027 and ends on 23 January 2027; scrutineering and prologue are said to take place in Europe, with the main part in Morocco. This information comes from the provider; there is no confirmation from the organiser ASO.
MOTOVOLA takes the motorcycles to Málaga on one of three transports on 13 November, 27 November or 11 December 2026; loading takes place in Brno or Prague, with pick-ups also in Ostrava, Olomouc and Bratislava. According to the provider, outbound and return transport costs 18,639 Czech koruna from Prague and 21,639 koruna from Brno, including VAT, in euros at the current exchange rate. Anyone who orders and pays by the end of 2026 gets two months of storage in the Málaga warehouse at no extra charge. The order deadline is 9 December 2026, and the return journey is possible at the earliest after the end of the rally.
+++++ Dune Rally Tunisia 2027: Early-Bird Price Until 15 November
The Dune Rally Tunisia takes place from 22 to 26 February 2027 on the Djerba – Douz – Djerba route. According to the Moto-Quad regulations, the organiser is Moto Club Adventure Riding ASD under the umbrella of the Italian sports association AICS. After the opening day on 22 February with scrutineering, prologue and warm-up around Djerba, the route leads via Zmela Camp in the desert to Douz and back to Djerba on 26 February, five stages in total. According to the organiser’s website, there is a competitive “Rally” category for motorcycles, cars and SSVs, as well as a tourist “Experience” category with a simplified route, GPS navigation and an optional guide. The model is the spirit and rules of the “Swank Rally di Sardegna”.
According to the regulations, entries are possible from 1 September 2026 to 10 January 2027. The “Early Rider” price of €2,190, payable in two instalments, applies until 15 November 2026; the excerpt cited does not say what it includes. The rally only goes ahead if at least 40 riders enter. Foreign participants must be members of an Italian AICS club and hold a 2027 AICS card, plus a competition licence for the “Rally” category; the procedure can be handled through Moto Club Adventure Riding.