After Africa, then South America, the Dakar has been settling in Saudi Arabia since 2020, with which the organizer, ASO, has signed a lucrative 5-year contract. However, with the exception of enthusiasts, few people know that the rally-raid, which still bears the name of Dakar almost 15 years after leaving Africa, begins this weekend.
However, several big names in motorsport will line up on the starting line. Like Stéphane Perterhansel, 14 times winner of the event or former world rally champion Sébastien Loeb. Qatari Nasser Al-Attiyah and Spaniard Carlos Sainz, father of Ferrari Formula 1 driver Carlos Jr, will also be present.
350 vehicles on the starting line
A trained biker, now engaged in SSV, a category of mini-buggy under the colors of Sébastien Loeb Racing, Xavier de Soultrait, is competing in his tenth Dakar and has also noticed the lack of appeal of the French public. “It’s true that notoriety has dropped in France as much as it has exploded internationally. It’s a race that has more and more interest. There are more and more partners, more in addition to manufacturers, there is even Audi which is there”. The German manufacturer wants to test prototypes with hybrid engines.
Xavier de Soultrait continues: “There is perhaps less coverage in France because the race has become internationalized. But I receive a lot of support from young people, not so young people, from too cute grannies who send me letters every year. Really, it’s nice. There are people who still like it a lot, “he says.
Trucks, cars, motorcycles… More than 350 vehicles will set off this Saturday in the dunes of Saudi Arabia. With nevertheless a reinforced safety device. Last year, just before the start, a French pilot had been seriously injured by an attack that the Saudi regime had presented as… a simple accident!