Overview
- The 48th Dakar Rally starts Saturday, January 3, in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, launching 13 stages across varied terrain.
- Two-time bike winner Kevin Benavides marks his 10th Dakar by moving to the challenger UTV/buggy class with BBR Motorsport, targeting a measured run after injury-driven reinvention.
- Motorcycle contender Luciano Benavides begins his ninth Dakar still short of full fitness after a Morocco crash, pursuing a first win he says could shorten his career plans.
- Organizers have removed the Empty Quarter and the 48-hour chrono and restored two marathon stages, changes riders expect will make the race more closely fought.
- Privateer profiles underscore the field’s range: Josep Pedró returns in the self-supported Original by Motul category, and debutant Arnau Lledó aims to finish and attract sponsors with Team Pedregà.