Dakar 2025
The Dakar Rally stands as one of the most grueling and prestigious off-road endurance events in the world. Since its inception in 1978, it has captivated motorsport enthusiasts with its challenging terrains, extreme conditions, and the sheer determination required from its participants.
The rally’s allure lies in its unpredictability and the diverse landscapes it traverses, pushing both man and machine to their absolute limits. Over the years, the Dakar Rally has evolved into a global phenomenon, attracting competitors and spectators from all corners of the globe. Its reputation for danger and difficulty only adds to its appeal, offering a unique blend of adventure and competition that few other sporting events can match. The 2025 edition promises to uphold this legacy, delivering new challenges and unforgettable moments for all involved.
Dates, Stages, and Venue
The 2025 Dakar Rally is scheduled from January 3 to January 17, 2025, marking its 47th edition and the sixth consecutive year it takes place in Saudi Arabia. The rally commences in Bisha and concludes in Shubaytah, covering approximately 8,000 kilometers over 14 days, divided into 12 stages. Notably, this year’s route includes a 48-hour “chrono” marathon stage spanning 950 kilometers, designed to test the endurance and resilience of the competitors. Additionally, five stages feature separate routes for cars and bikes, and there is a mass start stage, all aimed at enhancing the complexity and excitement of the race.
Dakar Categories and Favorites
The 2025 Dakar Rally features several categories. This includes Bikes, Cars, Light Prototypes (T3), SSVs (T4), Trucks and Classics. Also the newly introduced Mission 1000 category for vehicles with alternative zero-emission or hybrid drives. In the Bikes category, Daniel Sanders has shown exceptional performance, securing multiple stage wins and positioning himself as a strong contender for the overall victory. In the Cars category, competitors like Seth Quintero and Yazeed Al-Rajhi have demonstrated remarkable skill and speed, making them favorites to clinch the title. The Light Prototypes and SSV categories have seen fierce competition. With drivers such as Nicolás Cavigliasso and Francisco López Contardo leading the pack. In the Trucks category, Mitchel van den Brink as well as Martin Macík have emerged as top contenders, showcasing impressive performances in the initial stages.
South African Participation
South Africa boasts a strong representation in the 2025 Dakar Rally, with participants competing across various categories. In the Bikes category, riders like Bradley Cox (#12) as well as Michael Docherty (#22) are representing the Bas World KTM Racing Team. Whilst Aaron Mare (#24) and Willem Avenant (#112) are competing for HT Rally Raid. In the Cars category, notable entrants include Giniel De Villiers (pilot) and Dirk von Zitzewitz (co-pilot) (#206), driving a Toyota for Toyota Gazoo Racing. And Brian Baragwanath (pilot) and Leonard Cremer (co-pilot) (#214), driving a Century for Century Racing Factory Team. Also these competitors have kicked off the rally with impressive performances, flying the South African flag high through each stage. Herewith the full list of SA competitors:
Bikes
- Bradley Cox – riding a KTM for Bas World KTM Racing Team.
- Michael Docherty – riding a KTM for Bas World KTM Racing Team.
- Aaron Mare – riding a Husqvarna for HT Rally Raid.
- Willem Avenant – riding a Husqvarna for HT Rally Raid.
- Dwain Barnard – riding a KTM for D&D Nomade Racing.
Cars
- David Guy Botterill (pilot) and Dennis Murphy (co-pilot) – driving Toyota for Toyota Gazoo in the Dakar.
- Giniel De Villiers (pilot) and Dirk von Zitzewitz (co-pilot)- driving Toyota for Toyota Gazoo.
- Henk Lategan (pilot) as well as Brett Cummings (co-pilot) – driving Toyota for Toyota Gazoo.
- Brian Baragwanath (pilot) and Leonard Cremer (co-pilot) – driving Century for Century Racing Factory.
- Saood Variawa (pilot) and Francois Cazalet (co-pilot)- driving Toyota for Toyota Gazoo.
- Mark Corbett (pilot) as well as Juan Möhr (co-pilot) – driving a Century for Century Racing Factory.
- Charan Moore riding as co-pilot for Puck Klaasen in the G Rally.
- Henry Carl Köhne riding as co-pilot for Daniel Schröder in the Car Rally.
- Stuart Gregory riding as co-pilot for William Battershill.
A Glimpse into Dakar’s History
The Dakar Rally originated in 1978, conceived by French adventurer Thierry Sabine. Initially, the race spanned from Paris, France, to Dakar, Senegal, traversing the challenging terrains of the Sahara Desert. Over the years, the rally has undergone several transformations, including route changes due to geopolitical factors and safety concerns. So in 2009, the event relocated to South America, exploring the diverse landscapes of Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Since 2020, Saudi Arabia has played host to the rally. Therefore offering vast deserts and varied terrains that continue to challenge participants. Therefore throughout its history, the Dakar Rally has remained a symbol of endurance, adventure, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in motorsport.
Why Dakar Captivates Motorheads Worldwide
The Dakar Rally’s enduring popularity among motorheads stems from its unparalleled challenges, rich history, and the spirit of adventure it embodies. The rally offers a unique platform where cutting-edge technology meets human determination, set against some of the world’s most formidable landscapes. For enthusiasts, it represents the pinnacle of off-road racing. Where legends are forged, and the boundaries of possibility are continually redefined. The 2025 Dakar edition continues this tradition. Thus promising thrilling competition and inspiring stories that capture the imagination of motorsport fans globally. For other major sports events this month have a read through our January 2025 Sport Preview.
Betting sites to consider for your motor sport betting needs would be Hollywoodbets, Gbets, 10bet as well as Betway.
- Great, competitive odds
- Generous, regular promotions
- Live In-Play, BetGames, Lucky Numbers
- Great Welcome Bonus
- Extensive sports markets
- Slots, Aviator and Live Games
- Optimised for mobile + data free offer
- Generous bonuses and promotions
- Jika Sports, BetGames, Lucky Numbers
- 100% Bonus up to R1000
- Live In Multi Play View
- Slots, Live Casino & Aviator
