RIYADH: Many of the big names set to take part in Dakar Saudi Arabia 2021 expect the race set for next month to be challenging and unprecedented.
The teams shared their expectations after race organizers revealed the 12 stages of the route, which cross some of Saudi Arabia’s most demanding, untouched and spectacular landscapes.
The race will see its 559 competitors start in Jeddah on the Red Sea Coast, and over the course of the next 15 days, they will loop round almost the entirety of the Kingdom.
President of the Saudi Automobile and Motorsports Federation (SAMF) Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Faisal said: “In last year’s debut Dakar Saudi Arabia we wanted to set a precedent, and we feel we did that. It was an iconic event which showed how much the Kingdom can offer a race as historic as the Dakar Rally.
“Our challenge this year and every year going forward is to enhance that – to improve everything we can and elevate the race to even greater heights. The 12 stages we have for 2021 will offer a race like no other: the ultimate Dakar Saudi.”
Motorsport legend Carlos Sainz previewed next month’s race by reflecting on the debut Dakar Saudi held earlier this year.
“It was a nice experience. The terrain was outstanding, like in Africa. I've got great memories of my victory. Saudi Arabia surprised me and I think it'll be even more well-rounded this year,” he said.
Spanish driver Laia Sanz returns to Dakar 2021 as one of 16 female pilots set to take on the route, and she described 2020’s debut Dakar Saudi as being a “great [way] to discover Saudi Arabia”.
“We all learned a lot. I have no doubt this year's route will also be breathtaking. There remains so much to be explored, I'm looking forward to it,” she added.
US driver Ricky Brabec said: “My first experience was huge – it was like the desert back home! It’s insane: rocky terrain, dry riverbeds and open deserts are what I love, so I hope we’ll be visiting them again.”
The 2021 edition of Dakar Saudi Arabia will run from Jan. 3 -15. It will be the 43rd edition of the Dakar Rally.
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