Improved security, concentration on navigation and creation of a better balance between amateurs and professionals are the key concerns of ASO for the future of the Dakar. The revamping of the regulations this year has been guided by these principles.


SECURITY
The 2005 race will be characterised by zero tolerance. GPS speed controls put in place last year for village crossings have proved effective. The system will be maintained and improved. Rather than setting the maximum speed at 30 and accepting, depending on the stage, a certain degree of tolerance, speed will be limited in all villages to 50 km/hr with penalties applied after the first km/hr in excess of the limit.




To avoid any disputes over the areas that are “controlled”, GPS entry and exit zones will be indicated in the road book. The rules apply in the same way to press and organisation vehicles.


NAVIGATION
Our wish to give more importance to navigation will be pursued, the best solution being to limit the number of GPS points given to competitors, with the possibility of introducing one or more stages without GPS.
Amateurs will be given the opportunity to gain additional points thanks to a release code, the use of which would result in a penalty.


MARATHON STAGES
There are two marathon stages which will continue to be prohibited to vehicles in the Assistance category. This year however, following the stage, the vehicles taking part will immediately be parked in an enclosure after their refuelling.


REGULATIONS
The complete revision of the sports regulations is one of the priorities for the 2005 race. Work commissions meet regularly and in collaboration with the FIA and FFSA are examining changes that could make the regulations clearer. More transparent, precise and comprehensible, the new text due to be issued on the 1^st September 2004, will attempt to limit possibilities of interpretation both for competitors and officials in charge of its application.


ASSISTANCE
After taking into account the difficulties encountered by many assistance teams during the last race, the 2005 Assistance itinerary has been reduced.


OFFICIALS
With the objective of further improving the fairness of the sport, indispensable to a high-level competition such as the Dakar, A.S.O. and the F.F.S.A. have decided, in conjunction with other federations, to increase the number and qualifications of officials, in an effort to create a highly professional team. Regular meetings throughout the year are aimed at further involving the stewards in the preparation of the race. Moreover, officials will at least be fluent in two languages.