The Dakar Future programme has come a long way since it was launched in the context of the 2021 Dakar, as constructors such as Audi fight for victory with hybrid cars and others BRX, ASTARA, X-RAID MINI.) continue to expand their use of synthetic fuels. As a whole constellation of projects spark into life and move closer to maturity, 2030 remains the target date for the wholesale use of alternative energies in the Dakar. The Mission 1000 challenge will be a shot in the arm for this ambition.
A new concept has been developed to put cutting-edge technologies to the test on the topography of the Dakar: a 100 km section separate from the stages that make up the rally, adding up to 1,000 km on which the constructors can find out what technical options are worth pursuing in the future. The ten vehicles embarking on this historic first will make the first appearance at the start of the prologue in AlUla. While the challenge is not intended as a competition, several assessment criteria have been defined to put the vehicles through their paces and keep the riders and drivers on their toes. Three engine types have been selected for Mission 1000: fully electric / fully hydrogen-powered / hybrid technology.
1,000%
Entrants need to complete the entire route to score a grand total of 100 points in the challenge and will lose points for each unfinished stage. Example: 48 km/96 km in stage 3 will only yield 50% of the points at stake.
Drive Mode
Vehicles will be awarded points for driving skills depending on how their actual performances stack up against the established reference time.
- Eco Mode (+ 10% over the reference time and beyond): 0 points.
- Normal Mode (within 5% of the reference time): 5 bonus points.
- Sport Mode (−10% and under): 10 bonus points
Launch Control
In this unique timed challenge, the vehicles will break into a 100 m sprint from a standing start. The top-ranked entrant in each of the car and motorbike categories will be awarded 10 bonus points.
Fan Boost
The riders and drivers of the ten vehicles registered for Mission 1000 will get regular opportunities to tell their stories and explain the ins and outs of their tech on the Dakar's social media. Every weekend, fans will get to vote for their favourite project. The audience will award 5 bonus points twice.
A press conference held in Riyadh on the rest day will put the spotlight on the Mission 1000 vehicles and unveil all the details about this new programme.
