The Dakar Rally has finally come to the Asian continent for the first time, and already, pilots from more than 56 different nationalities have registered to experience an adventure like never before through the unchartered and breathtaking terrain of Dakar Saudi Arabia 2020.
Dakar Saudi Arabia 2020 will consist of 12 stages, allowing pilots coming from across 6 continents to discover Saudi Arabia’s rich past, live it’s modernized present, and meet its future as they race through the Kingdom. The pilots will kick off Rally Dakar from Jeddah, the bride of the Red Sea, through to Neom, a fully sustainable city of the future, then pass by the historical sites of Riyadh, to face the Empty quarter, a huge desert of unbroken sand, to end in Qiddiya, a future entertainment, sports and cultural destination.
The five countries leading the number of pilots participating in Dakar Saudi Arabia 2020 are France, Spain, Argentina, The Czech Republic and Holland, with several Dakar legends from these countries calling for professionals and amateurs alike to participate in Chapter 3 of Dakar. Laia sanz, a Spain national Dakar legend, called out on social media platforms saying: “Rally Dakar is my whole life and you need to register in Dakar Saudi Arabia 2020”, while Wei Han, a Chinese national Dakar pilot said: “Rally Dakar has always been my dream and for sure I will be in Dakar Saudi Arabia 2020”.
According to HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi General Sports Authority, Dakar Saudi Arabia 2020 is a lot more than just an off-road rally: “Saudi Arabia will have the pleasure to welcome and host pilots from more than 56 nations, all coming to compete for the first time in Saudi Arabia. This diverse group of pilots is a true testament to the Kingdom’s initiative to open itself to the world, and to bring international sports and entertainment events to the people of Saudi Arabia”.
In terms of what Saudi Arabia will offer Dakar from a sporting point of view, HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Abdullah Al Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation, said: “A big percentage of the race will be on various off-road desert terrains, making sure that Dakar Rally has the opportunity to add the diverse Saudi desert as a new and challenging chapter to the race, for an adventure like never before”.
On January 5, 2020, the Rally will depart from Jeddah, with pilots driving specially modified vehicles, trucks, quad, SxS, and motorbikes, designed to handle 12 stages of various challenging terrains, ending in Qiddiya. Registration is open for all categories for more information please visit the below link https://www.dakar.com/en/the-competitors/register