The Dakar Rally, regarded as the world’s most grueling motorsport event, roars to life on January 3, 2025, for its 47th edition, hosted for the sixth time in Saudi Arabia. Competitors are set to tackle the challenging rally across twelve stages, spanning 7,805 kilometers (4,850 miles), of which 5,209 kilometers are timed racing sections. The event is expected to attract over 700 competitors from more than 70 nationalities, engaging across five categories of vehicles, including motorbikes, trucks, cars, and quads.
This year’s rally will start its course from Bisha, Saudi Arabia, and conclude on January 17 at Shubaytah. Amidst harsh landscapes marked by coastal plains, dunes, and vast canyons, racers face formidable challenges, including the notable two-day marathon stage, which requires them to reach one of six camps by 5 p.m. with minimal external supplies for overnight stays.
The event is producing substantial media coverage, with NBC Sports leading the way. Nightly coverage of the rally begins at 8 PM ET on Peacock and NBC Sports digital platforms, running each evening until the conclusion of the rally on January 17. NBC Sports is set to produce one-hour daily shows to capture the essence of the event and make it accessible for audiences worldwide. Detailed highlights and racer interviews will also be available throughout the race week via the dedicated Dakar Rally page on Peacock, featuring on-demand options. This packaging will allow motorsport enthusiasts to deeply engage with the event from the comfort of their homes.
Two-time defending champion Ricky Brabec will return to compete for the motorcycle title, alongside him are stars of the competition, such as Carlos Sainz, aiming for his fifth overall win and equity after being victorious at 61 as the oldest winner. Sainz stated confidently, "I’m prepared physically and will give everything for a good race," signifying his intent to reclaim glory on the dunes. Other major contenders include Nasser Al-Attiyah, known for his remarkable five wins, and renowned nine-time World Rally Championship champ, Sébastien Loeb.
Beyond individual racers, the marathon stage introduces dimensions of endurance unlike any other, compelling competitors to bivouac alone on the two-day stretch through the Empty Quarter, without external assistance. Participants must embrace the challenge of survival, including budget management to handle the race effectively. David Castera, the race director, brought attention to this challenge as he referred to this year’s race as the "rally of maturity" — encapsulating the intense physical and mental endurance involved.
With over 400 vehicles on the start line, competitors will face monumental challenges across various terrains, pressing their driving and navigational skills to the limits. The Dakar Rally’s history is laced with glory and sorrow; it began its legacy in 1979, starting from Paris, France, and culminating with the finish line in Dakar, Senegal. Following adjustments over the years due to safety and logistic concerns, it has now settled comfortably within the scenic and challenging landscapes of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia positions itself as not only the geographical host but also as one making significant investments to build its sporting legacy. The kingdom aims to diversify its economy and appeal through motorsports, as evidenced by hosting the Dakar Rally, Formula One races, and even the 2034 FIFA World Cup. This event underlines Saudi Arabia's commitment to bringing international attention through prestigious competitions.
Unique to the 2025 rally season, racers and organizers will be utilizing advanced equipment, both for safety and performance. A revamped race strategy might leave room for surprises as competitors such as Cristina Gutierrez, the second-ever female winner, returns to refine her strategy as she enters the elite car race after dominant performances.
The 2025 Dakar Rally promises not just to be another competition, but rather, it will be an epic saga of resilience, adventure, and spirit as racers from across the globe come together to write another exciting chapter of rally history.
Each nook and cranny of the various terrains will be misjudged, luck will play its hand, and contenders will become heroes on the challenging race circuits. This competition not only celebrates motorsport but also unites cultures and people through the power of sport, against all odds.
With the starting flags soon to go up, spectators can expect thrilling performances, heart-stopping moments, and unthinkable challenges as this notorious race writes its legacy yet again, starting with the prologue stage on January 3, leading through the tests of resilience and leading up to the final showdown on January 17.