DAKAR RALLY: Dakar 2025 – the pre-rally stats

Words and images courtesy ASO

Now is the time to concentrate on racing. This comes after months of preparation for the riders, drivers and crews. They will be taking starter’s orders for the 47th edition of the Dakar Rally!

Who have just completed technical and administrative scrutineering at the windblown site in Bisha…

Dakar Rally Legends.

This year, 11 bikers compose the very exclusive group of ‘Legends’ for the Dakar Rally. This status is reserved for competitors who boast 10 Dakar rallies or more on their roll of honour.

Stefan Svitko is the current record holder still riding with 16 participations
Ahead of Francisco Arredondo (15)
Emanuel Gyenes level with David Casteu (14)
Pablo Quintanilla (13), the most experienced of the official riders. Yet, he is not feeling the weight of years bearing down on him;

“Honestly, I’m happy to be able to continue riding at this level. I’ve had ups and downs on the Dakar, with good results but also falls and injuries, but that’s just sport. However, I have what it takes to succeed and I’m really up for it.”

Three factory riders will be joining the ranks of these Dakar Rally die-hards;

‘Nacho’ Cornejo
Ricky Brabec
Adrien Van Beveren

For the title holder, his goal is to get back on track after a fall on the Rallye du Maroc:

“In the end, it wasn’t my knee that I injured in Morocco but my shin. I had to take a break and have twelve screws inserted, but now I’m back here to race. All in all, I only lost one month, which isn’t too bad. I’m on top form.”

For the Frenchman, obtaining Legend status also represents an opportunity to get rid of an unwanted record. None of the winners in the bike category has waited 10 years before taking the title.

At the moment, Nani Roma, possesses the longest series. Between his first appearance in 1996 and his victory in 2004, the Catalan took part 9 times. Though this is not putting AVB off…

“Physically, I’m stronger than I have ever been. I’ve really got the bit between my teeth and I don’t feel like my years on the bike are coming to an end. My career could have finished at least twice, but more than ever, I’m in a position to win.”

Physical fitness will soon be an issue on this Dakar. This is due to a first week including the 48 HR Chrono stage shortly after the start as well as the marathon stage.

For the beach boy from northern France, “having the 48-hour stage towards the beginning is not to my advantage, because the other riders won’t be that fatigued. Last year, I made it count on the same stage in the second week which we all began in certain states of tiredness. This time, we should all feel relatively fresh and I don’t think anyone is going to crack in physical terms.”

Dakar Rally stats

On completion of the administrative and technical scrutineering, 335 vehicles have been approved to participate in the 47th edition of the Dakar.

Amounting to a total of 580 riders, drivers and co-pilots, representing 52 nationalities!

134 motorbikes have been invited to take starter’s orders for the prologue on Friday morning. This includes 21 Rally GP, 113 Rally 2, and 25 Original by Motul.

As well as;

64 cars in the Ultimate class
2 in the Stock class
52 in the Challenger class
39 in the SSV category
44 trucks

5 vehicles are taking part on dedicated routes in the Mission 1000 challenge. This is reserved for vehicles powered by alternative fuel or energy sources: 3 motorbikes, 1 SSV and 1 truck.

For the 5th edition of the Dakar Classic, 95 vehicles will take starter’s orders for the race of consistency. This is also contested on dedicated routes: 76 cars and 19 trucks carrying a total of 208 competitors.

Saudi Next Gen

5 SSV crews have been selected to take part in the creation of the academy. From this, the winning pair will go forward to participate in the Rallye du Maroc in 2025 and then the Dakar in 2026.

In total, the Dakar bivouac is made up of 806 competitors. They are riding or driving 440 vehicles enrolled in one or another of the rally’s categories.

The podium of nationalities;

1. France (202 competitors)
2. Spain (104 competitors)
3. Italy (83 competitors)

175 vehicles ridden or driven by 225 competitors are enrolled in the first leg of the 2025 season’s FIA-FIM W2RC;

125 motorbikes (12 Rally GP, 113 Rally 2)
50 cars (24 Ultimate, 16 Challenger, 10 SSV)

For more Racing News, head to SuperBike Magazine – Racing Category !