Race format
The Dakar is a rally raid. It consists of one stage per day comprising at least one "special" each (several hundred kilometres long), on- or off-road. The total distance covered is several thousand kilometres. The event takes place over a period of ten to fifteen days (versus two to three days for cross-country rallies).
The classification of the stage is made up of the times set in the special stage plus any sporting penalties.
The race involves navigation, which is done via a roadbook provided by the organisers and handed out at the start of each stage. This means the course remains a secret until the roadbook is handed out to the crews.
The starting order of each special will be based on the times set in the timed sector of the previous stage, including any sporting penalties (e.g. for speeding in link sectors or missing waypoints) incurred during the stage.
In the case of a tie, the order will be determined by the race numbers.
Any person of any nationality who is over 18 years old and holds an International FIA/FIM Cross-Country Rally licence may apply for entry to the Dakar Rally.
Competitors must also have participated in one FIA/FIM World Championship event or any other event on the FIA/FIM calendar or their national calendar.
The organiser nevertheless reserves the right to refuse entry to any competitor who does not have a minimum of recent experience in competitive motorbike/quad racing or the physical capabilities necessary to compete in the Dakar.
The marathon stage takes place without any assistance vehicles or team/support members; all external assistance is strictly prohibited.
Only competitors are allowed to work on their vehicles, though assistance between riders still in the race is permitted.
In 2024, the Dakar introduced the "48h Chrono" stage: a timed marathon stage spread over two days, during which competitors must stop at 4:00 PM at one of the designated remote bivouacs, with no outside support, before restarting the next morning at 7:00 AM in full autonomy.
For the 2026 edition, the Dakar will introduce the "Bivouac Refuge" stage, a hybrid between the 48h Chrono and the classic marathon stage. The marathon rules apply, and competitors will spend the night in minimalist desert bivouacs, with no infrastructure. The organization will only provide a mattress, sleeping bag, tent, and a food ration for dinner and breakfast.
T5.2 trucks will be allowed to reach the bivouac via track to assist competitors, who will be able to work on their vehicles without any time restriction.
Starting order in a marathon stage:
Each day will produce a classification used to determine the next stage’s standard starting order. However, when cars start without bikes ahead of them, the prologue rule will apply: drivers will choose their starting position based on their stage ranking, in order to reward stage winners and maintain sporting fairness.
Competitors (excluding those on the Elite and Priority Riders list) who experience an early withdrawal may rejoin the race and will be included in a separate classification.
They are allowed a maximum of two jokers.
These vehicles will carry a Dakar Experience plate and will never be permitted to start within the first 25 positions of a special stage, nor to stand on the Dakar podium.
Any breach of the rules whose penalties are not set out will be reported to the Race Director and the International Jury will determine the penalty to be imposed. Sporting penalties are applied to the times of the timed sectors and the other time penalties are applied to the general classification.
- Competition: administrative or technical non-compliance of the vehicle, defective safety equipment, missed waypoint…
- Road safety: non-compliance with the highway code
There are sporting (time penalties, disqualification) and financial time penalties.
Bivouac-DSS link sector
Vehicles leave the bivouac via a liaison route, usually on public roads, to reach the start of the special stage, where the first bikes set off at sunrise.
Start of the timed sector (DSS)
This is where the clock starts ticking. Competitors usually start in the order of the classification of the special of the previous stage. Failure to make it to the start on time gives rise to the penalties set out in the event rules.
Checkpoint (CP)
Intermediate times are recorded at several points on the course of the special. Each vehicle's logbook is then stamped by a race official.
Finish of the timed sector (ASS)
The classification of the day is based on the times recorded at the ASS, subject to change in case of penalties, particularly if GPS analysis reveals that one or more waypoints were missed or bypassed.
ASS-bivouac link section
Although the timed sector has come to an end, the day is not totally over at the ASS, which can sometimes be several hundred kilometres away from the bivouac. The riders, drivers and crews have a certain time to reach the bivouac, always within the speed limits in force in the country.