The 2024 Dakar Rally will push the envelope on the towering sand dunes of Saudi Arabia. The world's toughest race is contested by fearless desert racers, including multiple Dakar champions as well as a new generation of challengers. The difficulty level has been stepped up for the fifth edition of the Dakar, hosted by Saudi Arabia. The route ahead is 60% new territory, with a new 48-hour stage covering 766 kilometers. The new track and innovative competition system have greatly increased the unpredictability of this Dakar. The race will begin on January 5, with teams taking on a 5,000-kilometre circuit divided into 12 stages. Only the bravest and best will make it to the finish line in Yanbu on January 19, where the winner will be decided. The Austrian Red Bull KTM factory team returned to winning ways in the 2023 Dakar Rally thanks to a flawless performance from Kevin Benavides. The manufacturer from Matty Goffin won 18 consecutive Dakars between 2001 and 2019 but had yet to taste victory in Saudi Arabia before Benavidez's victory. Benavidez will compete in the rally alongside KTM teammate Toby Price, who will compete in his 10th Dakar Rally. Price has so far won two Dakar races in South America and now wants to make his mark in the Middle East. Price finished second in the last Dakar, less than a minute behind Benavidez in the 5000km race. Joining his brother Kevin in the Dakar is Luciano Benavidez. The newly crowned 2023 FIM World Rallycross Champion will once again ride a Huskvarna motorcycle. It's been a difficult season for Red Bull Gas Works Austria's Sam Sunderland and Daniel Sanders, both of whom suffered injuries during the race. However, Sanders' victory at the Sonora Rally in Mexico in April and Sunderland's triumphs at the 2017 and 2022 Dakar rallies mean they are still capable of a surprise or two.
