The 2005 Telefonica-Dakar sporting regulations have been re-written, in collaboration with Federetions. Clearer, more precise and easier to understand, the texts have been revised and organised in an attempt to limit possibilities of interpretation, for the competitors, the officials responsible for their application, the media and the public. In a bigger number and speaking many languages, officials will be more accessible for the competitors. Added to that, to make things in a fair way, the controls on the vehicles will happen every day and will be systematic.


This year once again improved safety is the key concern

• GPS speed controls will be systematic in the crossing of villages. They will be applied with zero tolerance for infringements. Entrances and exits to control zones will be indicated on the Road Book and by GPS.

• It will be possible for competitors to obtain additional GPS points during a special. This unblocking code will be given at passage controls (notification the day before the stage during the briefing) from the 21st competitor to go through the above-mentioned passage control. Use of this code will incur a time penalty and will allowed amateurs to finish in the best conditions.

• The itinerary for assistance vehicles has been reduced by 40% in relation to last year.


Cars
• Abolishing of all automatic inflation/ deflation systems.
• Drivers entered by a manufacturer along with drivers on the “priority list” must choose one type of tyre to be used from the beginning to the end of the race (with the exception of those in the T1 and 2-wheel drive categories).


Trucks
• Speed is limited to 150 km/h for all T4 Groups.
This measure will be controlled by GPS.


Motorcycles
• The experimental class has been abolished. A specific classification for Quads and Sidecars has been created and they will now be competing in two categories recognised in their own right.
• Prohibition on twin cylinder machines of more than 450 cc.


Assistance
• This year assistance vehicles will benefit from a parallel itinerary on nearly all of the stages, except for the stage between Smara and Zouerat where they will follow 100 km of the race itinerary.


Prizes
The Dakar is first and foremost an internationally renowned race in which both amateurs and professionals participate together.
Along with the specific entry fees, which make registration easier for amateurs, special prizes have been created for them: more than half of the prize money is exclusively reserved for amateurs (113 200 € out of a total of 209 900 €).

	Prize money	1st time challenge	Elf Amateur	Team challenge¹	TOTAL Trophy
MOTORCYLCES	104 400 €			Mini moto KTM	11 000 €²
Motorcycles Amateur	dont 64 700 €	10 800 €	15 000 €	Moto KTM + 1 000 €/rider
CARS	105 000 €
Cars Amateur	dont 48 500 €	15 500 €
Trucks	dont 16 500 €
ASSISTANCE

¹ (3) 3 to 5 pilots/team
² (4) Daily prize (1,000 € each day).