Dakar 2009 : Dakar

30-04-2008 - On the tracks of Chile

Follow David Castera on the tracks of Chile

22-04-2008 - On the tracks of Argentina and Chile

Hello to all of you,

Here we are having set off on the tracks of Argentina to prepare the next Dakar rally.

For the last week, we have been travelling to every corner of Argentina and it is a satisfied man who is writing these few lines to you.

Satisfied with the landscapes we have crossed, the inhabitants’ welcome, the exceptional encounters with lamas, turtles, ostriches, pink flamingos and above all, very satisfied with the stone, dirt and sand tracks on which the next rally will take place.

All of these things have ended up persuading me that the 2009 edition of the Dakar will be a great year, worthy of its name, where adventure, surpassing oneself, sport, competition and mutual aide will be more than ever present.

You will find a few photos enclosed which will allow you to share our wonder.

Soon we will arrive in Chili and I will send you a short message from there.

We hope to see you soon and I wish all of the participants in the Central Europe Rally good luck.



David Castera and his team

17-04-2008 - Dakar 2009 application - Guide book

Frédéric LEQUIEN, Deputy Motosport Director, presents the Dakar 2009 registration terms and conditions.

From when and until when can I submit my application dossier?

The period for filing dossiers will run from 15th May to 30th June 2008. We wanted to give priority to competitors of the 2008Dakar. In concrete terms, all 2008 Dakar competitors who want to take part in the 2009 Dakar will automatically be selected. But beware, the priority period will end on 15th June 2008.

Where can I find an application dossier?

On www.dakar.com from the beginning of May as well as in the 2009 Dakar presentation and registration brochure that will be sent to you. Finally, for those of you who have still not received it, you can apply through the competitors department (concurrents@dakar.com).

I did not sign up for the 2008 Dakar. What are my chances of being selected?

Your chances are good! One piece of advice, send in your application dossier as early as possible after 15th May, attach photos and as much information as possible so as to give yourself every chance of success.

How do I produce a “good dossier”?

First of all, those selected for the 2008 Dakar will not have to complete the information sheet. For all new applicants, all documents are compulsory and once again add anything than can enhance your application (book, sports CV, vehicle used,...)

What are the changes going to be in terms of budget for competitors with this South American “start”?

Signing up charges are exactly the same as in 2008! Return sea transport will be fully covered by ASO! The Dakar in Argentina-Chile will not be more expensive, competitors can even make real savings on items such as fuel.

When will I know if I have been selected?

From early July.

When and how will vehicles be transferred to Buenos Aires?

We will give you much more information at the conference which will be held on the Champs Elysées in Paris on 13th May, but we can tell you here and now that loading will be in late November. Competitors will undergo the technical checks and some of the administrative checks there. Competitors will then rejoin their vehicles in Buenos Aires.

12-02-2008 - The 2009 Dakar rally : on the tracks of South America

Patrice Clerc, President of Amaury Sport Organisation and Etienne Lavigne, Director of the Dakar, have announced that the 2009 Dakar would take place in Argentina and Chile from the 3rd to the 18th of January. They promise an amazing course, a 9000 km loop including 6000 of specials between Buenos Aires, Valparaiso and Buenos Aires. The Dakar rally, the legendary event of the off-road rally discipline, will for the first time go to South America in 2009.

During the last thirty years, the race has forged itself a legendary reputation on the African territory that helped it grow and become one of the major events of the international calendar. The Dakar will know how to keep and maintain values and a unique spirit. A first choice sporting competition that mixes great champions and amateurs, the event has become extremely international throughout the years, uniting up to 52 different nationalities. Added to that, the Dakar gathers a state of spirit driven by a quest for adventure, open-mindedness and discovery. A nomadic event by excellence with 21 African countries visited during its history, it has the vocation to explore the deserts of the World and A.S.O. studies the possibility for other territories to welcome the Dakar.

While keeping an undamaged challenge, the 2009 edition has accepted the invitation of Argentina and Chile, countries with which A.S.O. was in contact for several years.

The organisers were seduced by the discovery of territories where navigation, sand, and crossings will be on the menu. Argentina and Chile gather all the ingredients for a fantastic Dakar both in terms of the level of the varied topography and the splendour of the landscapes or through its infrastructures. The enthusiasm launched by the prospect of welcoming the event promises a great Dakar.

The registrations for this new challenge will start on the 15th of May 2008. The competitors registered for the 2008 edition will have priority and will benefit during a month from a similar tariff as this year’s one.