Next year, drivers and motorcyclists taking part in the iconic Dakar Rally will not race in the wilderness of the South American interior any more. The next edition of the competition, which also involves truck crews, has been planned for the Arabian Peninsula.
“After 30 years of discovering the beauty of Africa and a decade of adventure exploring the spectacular landscape of South America, a new chapter in the history of Dakar will be written as the world’s biggest rally makes its Middle East debut in Saudi Arabia” – reads the official rally website.
Competitors and teams from 5th to 17th January next year will be struggling in unknown terrain. The rally will consist of 12 stages and will start in the port city of Jeddah by the Red Sea. The Dakar 2020 route will lead through the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, and will end in Al Qiddiyiya.
“With the Dakar Rally we intend to create an amazing and unforgettable experience for drivers who will discover the beauty of Saudi nature, as well as a unique spectacle for motorsport fans not only in Saudi Arabia but also worldwide,” said during a press conference His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki AlFaisal Al Saud, who presides over the Saudi ministry of sports.
See the conditions under which the participants of the Dakar 2020 rally will race.
Photo: Dakar Rally