Dakar Rally - regulations innovation 28.12.2019: DAKAR RALLY 2020 Start 5/01 JEDDAH Rest Day 11/01 RIYADH Finish 17/01 QIDDIYAH Given the size and nature of the Saudi landscape, in 2020 the Dakar returns to its extreme roots in terms of endurance, with 5 specials which cover more than 450 kms

DAKAR RALLY 2020

Start 5/01 JEDDAH

Rest Day 11/01 RIYADH

Finish 17/01 QIDDIYAH







Given the size and nature of the Saudi landscape, in 2020 the Dakar returns to its extreme roots in terms of endurance, with 5 specials which cover more than 450 kms out of 12.





To rise to this challenge, a series of measures aim to level the playing field between professional teams and amateurs. Sporting equity in favour of strategy and race management is the heart of rally raid.







The road book: now in colour





According to an intuitive and widely shared code, the symbols in the road book boxes will be printed in colour. This will significantly reduce preparatory work for the following stage, especially for amateur drivers joining the bivouac late, enabling them to focus more on the recovery and maintenance of their vehicles.





For at least four stages, the road book will be distributed in the morning at the start of the special stage: the closest thing to absolute equality.









Required stop point





Like bikes and quads that already feature a 15-minute break at fuel stops during a special stage, a stop point must now be respected by all categories. This break time is useful in two ways in terms of safety: it imposes time to rest and refocus and also reduces the number of overtakes between UTVs and cars for example.





“Super marathon” stage





Only 10 minutes of mechanical repair time will be permitted for bikes and quads upon arrival at the Neom bivouac! Strategy and race management issues, particularly tyre wear, will be even trickier than usual. Another more conventional marathon stage, with assistance only authorised between competitors, will be organised in Shubaytah.





Wild card





If forced to retire (except for medical reasons), a crew or a driver may be allowed to resume the race by participating in a separate ranking called “Dakar Experience” for the rest of the rally. This second chance will allow unlucky amateurs to keep learning and return with more cards up their sleeve to complete the rally in the future. Competitors on the Elite List are excluded.







New SSV rules





In accordance with FIA regulations, there will be a single T3 category for lightweight buggies (< 900 kg) with an engine size less than 1,000 cc. They will be divided into two classes: T3.S (in production) limited to 120 km/h and T3.P (prototypes) limited to 130 km/h, all equipped with a restrictor to even the playing field in terms of performance..









T4.3s on track





Category T4.3 support trucks will be required to rejoin the special stage route at the point where they left it if they have gone off course to provide assistance. Assistance cannot be given to a vehicle that has not completed the entire route











- ASO - photo ASO manipulated bygigis.com

