Last updated on 4. December 2024
The Dakar Rally 2025 is just around the corner! Two weeks of excitement, desert sand, and adventure await every rally fan once again. From January 3 to 17, 2025, the 47th edition of this legendary desert race will take participants through the stunning landscapes of Saudi Arabia, from Bisha to Shubaytah.
The Route: A World-Class Adventure
Covering a total of nearly 8,000 kilometers, including over 5,000 kilometers of timed stages, this year’s course presents a monumental challenge. The route begins in Bisha and concludes after twelve stages in Shubaytah, with competitors navigating the awe-inspiring emptiness of the “Empty Quarter.”
Highlights of Dakar 2025
The organizers have introduced several exciting changes for 2025:
- Return of the 48-Hour Chrono Stage: This two-day marathon stage spans 950 kilometers, challenging participants to manage without support teams. Riders must spend the night in basic bivouacs, testing both their physical and mental endurance.
- Separate Routes for Different Vehicle Categories: At least five stages will feature separate tracks for motorcycles and cars. This aims to improve safety and make navigation more challenging, as car crews won’t be able to follow the tracks left by the bikes.
- Marathon Stage Without Service: In addition to the 48-hour chrono stage, there’s a traditional marathon stage where competitors must also do without support teams. Strategic thinking and careful handling of vehicles will be crucial here.
- Three-Day Adventure in the “Empty Quarter”: The final three days will take participants through the stunning dune landscapes of the “Empty Quarter,” with a special stage stretching over 400 kilometers. Shubaytah will mark the end of this epic journey.
Voices from the Paddock
Tosha Schareina from the Monster Energy Honda Team is thrilled:
“I’m super excited about the 48-hour chrono stage. More sand and separate tracks for motorcycles and cars mean longer stages and tougher navigation. The motocross-style start is exhilarating. I’m all in!”
Adrien Van Beveren, also from the Monster Energy Honda Team, adds:
“The route description looks great. More sand plays to my strengths. The extended 48-hour chrono stage will be a tough physical challenge. We’ll need to position ourselves well heading into the ‘Empty Quarter.’ It’ll be intense, and the tension will remain high right to the end!”
Conclusion
The Dakar Rally 2025 is set to write its own unique story, just like the many editions before it. We’re looking forward to two weeks of thrilling rally action. Stay tuned here on the blog for daily updates on the Dakar. Additionally, I’ll be live with Dakar.FM through the Bearcast podcast every day, reporting on the rally, interviewing riders on-site, and much more!
