– The "Dakar Legends" - competitors that participated in 10 or more Dakar events. The first makers to avail of this regulation were Prodrive with its new BRX Hunter car.
This year is the first time cars are allowed to run turbocharged petrol engines, previously only diesels could be turbocharged. Motorcycles and Quads had already been subjected to speed limits for several years. Vehicles in the T1 and T2 (Cars) categories were now restricted to 180 kilometres per hour (110 mph) while vehicles in the T3, T4, and T5 categories (Light Prototypes, UTVs, and Trucks) were limited to 130 kilometres per hour (81 mph). įurther changes came just before the event, when revamped FIA regulations for Cross-Country rally stipulated speed limits across all categories. The class will feature a reduced entry fee, yet the same rules and fees will apply for the assistance. These vehicles will share the same bivouac and the organization but will run in a parallel, yet different route, suitable for historic vehicles. A new Dakar Classic class will be introduced for cars and trucks manufactured before 2000, or new cars built to original pre-2000 specification. Dakar Experience ranking and regulations have been revamped, it will only be available for amateur, non- Elite/Priority drivers.
The organizers are promoting vehicles using alternative energy sources by introducing a 50% registration fee discount in all categories, introducing a prize in the Alternative Energy Challenge, and introducing new regulations for these vehicles. Bikers will not be allowed assistance during the refueling.
New regulations for Elite bikers will see a limit of 1 piston change and 6 rear tires for the whole rally all tires will need to be the same brand and model. Improvements in safety include a speed limit of 90 km/h in hazardous sectors, mandatory first aid training certificate for all competitors, automatic Sentinel sound warning system for dangers classed level 2 and 3, and mandatory airbag vests for all bike and quad drivers. Original by MOTUL category will continue, which limits and controls on the use of external assistance.
The Elite / Priority Driver list will be extended from bike only to all categories. New classifications will be introduced for T3: Light Proto, T4: SSV, T5: Truck. There will be an option of a digital roadbook. The Road Books will only be distributed 10 min. There will be a Prologue stage that will determine the starting positions for Stage 1. The exact route was revealed in November 2020. The route includes 1 Prologue stage, 12 stages including 2 loop stages, 1 marathon stage. Ī completely new route has been put together, described as a lot slower, more varied, and more technical. However, due to travel and border restrictions implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the route stayed entirely within Saudi Arabian territory. The rally was originally intended to run through 2–3 additional countries, with Egypt and Jordan being rumoured likely candidates. The route consists of one prologue stage and 12 normal stages, with one rest day in Ha'il on 9 January. The race started and ended in Jeddah, allowing the competitors to venture through the desert and alongside the Red Sea. It was the second time Saudi Arabia had hosted the event, with support from the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation. The event was held for 14 days, starting from 3 January and ended 15 January 2021. The 2021 Dakar Rally was a rally raid event held in Saudi Arabia and the 43rd edition of the Dakar Rally.