Overview
- Running January 3–17, the 48th Dakar starts and finishes in Yanbu with nearly 8,000 kilometers overall and roughly 4,800 kilometers of timed specials across 13 stages plus a prologue and a rest day.
- The route brings back two marathon stages with no outside assistance, separates FIM and FIA tracks for safety, and adds limited pit‑stop options in select stages for tire changes.
- The rally features multiple classes including Motos, Autos, Challenger, SSV/UTV, Trucks, Dakar Classic, Mission 1000 and Stock, with entry lists confirmed ahead of the start.
- Argentina fields about 20 competitors across most categories except trucks, highlighted by Luciano Benavides in motos and Challenger titleholders Nicolás Cavigliasso and Valentina Pertegarini, while Juan Cruz Yacopini is out after an accident and remains hospitalized.
- Organizers advance sustainability goals with Mission 1000 electric and hydrogen prototypes and renewable fuels, including roughly 30,000 liters of Repsol fuel with about 70% renewable feedstock for Toyota entries, as pre‑race favorites such as Carlos Sainz, Daniel Sanders and defending car champion Yazeed Al Rajhi headline the field.