Rally Raid
See what’s in store for racers as motorsports’ toughest test of endurance returns to South America.
The Dakar Rally's reputation as the most extreme rally on the planet is in no danger of diminishing following details of the new route being revealed by race organisers. With some stages containing more than 500km against the clock, and six consecutive days at over 3,000m above sea level – there's a punishing schedule awaiting those brave enough to make the trip to South America.
Watch the clip above to see how the Dakar will snake through South America this January and scroll down for our detailed stage-by-stage preview.
Stage 1: Asunción (PAR) to Resistencia (ARG)MOTORBIKES/QUADS/CARS/TRUCKSTimed stage: 39kmTotal distance: 454kmThe 2017 Dakar Rally gets underway in Asunción, as Paraguay becomes the 29th country to host the famous race. It's a short stage to get us underway with less than 40km against the clock, and we're sure to see some frontrunners looking to gain an early advantage over their rivals.
Stage 2: Resistencia to San Miguel de TucumánMOTORBIKES/QUADS/CARSTimed stage: 275kmTotal distance: 803kmTRUCKSTimed stage: 284kmTotal distance: 812kmAs we leave Paraguay and head into Argentina the distance increases sharply, with over 800km to cover and close to 300km inside the timed special stage section. Competitors will have to pay close attention to weather reports, as dust clouds or mud baths could await, or maybe even a mixture of both.
Stage 3: San Miguel de Tucumán to San Salvador de JujuyMOTORBIKES/QUADS/CARSTimed stage: 364kmTotal distance: 780kmTRUCKSTimed stage: 199kmTotal distance: 757kmAs temperatures go up so does the altitude out on the course, as the third stage of the Dakar is exclusively offroad. There are numerous river crossings to be navigated, and each one a potential pitfall as depth is always difficult to gauge.
Stage 4: San Salvador de Jujuy to Tupiza (BOL)MOTORBIKES/QUADS/CARS/TRUCKSTimed stage: 416kmTotal distance: 521kmAs we lift off into Bolivia the altitude reaches a nosebleed inducing 3,500m above sea level. There's also the challenge of dunes to overcome, an intense test of both driving and navigational skills.
Stage 5: Tupiza to OruroMOTORBIKES/QUADS/CARSTimed stage: 447kmTotal distance: 692kmTRUCKSTimed stage: 438kmTotal distance: 683kmThere's plenty of anticipation building around this stage, which seems to have a bit of everything about it. We have not only one, but two dune sections mixed into wildly fluctuating terrain covering over 1,000km, and all at an ear-popping altitude.
Stage 6: Oruro to La PazMOTORBIKES/QUADS/CARSTimed stage: 527kmTotal distance: 786kmTRUCKSTimed stage: 513kmTotal distance: 772kmJust as one long day ends another one begins at the Dakar. The first week of racing concludes with another epic stage in Bolivia, which passes though the beautiful landscapes surrounding Lake Titicaca. But there's no time to hang around admiring the scenery if you want to make it to La Paz before nightfall.
Stage 7: La Paz to UyuniMOTORBIKES/QUADS/CARS/TRUCKSTimed stage: 322kmTotal distance: 622kmFollowing a well deserved rest day in La Paz, the remaining competitors are sent away for the first part of a marathon stage. Protecting their machines is key, because at the end of the day they will be denied any mechanical assistance and must make any necessary repairs themselves.
Stage 8: Uyuni to Salta (ARG)MOTORBIKES/QUADS/CARS/TRUCKSTimed stage: 492kmTotal distance: 892kmThe passports come out for the last time as the final border crossing of the 2017 Dakar sees the convoy leave Bolivia and reenter Argentina. Salta has witnessed some dramatic racing in recent editions of the rally, and we could be in for more shock results in the region's many canyons.
Stage 9: Salta to ChilecitoMOTORBIKES/QUADS/CARS/TRUCKSTimed stage: 406kmTotal distance: 977kmRace organisers have already dubbed this stage The Super Belén, and with a timed special stage of over 400km it looks likely to live up to its name. We'll see a dreaded mix of distance and technical challenges of navigation in an exclusively offroad environment. Competitors are handed a stark reminder that there's still a third of the rally to go on this stage.
Stage 10: Chilecito to San JuanMOTORBIKES/QUADS/CARS/TRUCKSTimed stage: 449kmTotal distance: 751kmAny racers growing inpatient to attack should be advised that mistakes on this stage can lead to large time delays. With tiredness becoming an increasing factor, competitors must remain vigilant to navigational and mechanical mishaps that can ruin thousands of kilometres of good work up to this point.
Stage 11: San Juan to Rio CuartoMOTORBIKES/QUADS/TRUCKSTimed stage: 288kmTotal distance: 754kmCARSTimed stage: 292kmTotal distance: 759kmThings will get very interesting very quickly on this stage, as the dunes of San Juan fall within the first 50km of the timed special section. Then comes a switch of pace as we enter the fast, sliding territory of the World Rally Championship's home in Argentina.
Stage 12: Rio Cuarto to Buenos AiresMOTORBIKES/QUADS/CARS/TRUCKSTimed stage: 64kmTotal distance: 786kmJust like the opening stage (remember way back at the beginning?), the final day's racing at the 2017 Dakar should prove to be short and sweet. Any racer crossing the finish line after the ordeal they've put themselves though is a hero in our eyes. Expect huge crowds in Buenos Aires to welcome home the offroaders who have got the better of this monumental challenge.
Head to our dedicated 2017 Dakar Rally event page for more news and videos.
.png)
