It’s already here! All teh crews have moved to saudi Arabia, will set up a bivouac, collect their equipment, test it and start the 48th edition of the famous Dakar Rally on Saturday, January 3rd. Over 8,000 kilometers of challenging terrain and wild speeds await competitors on motorbikes, buggies, cars and trucks.And what can we, the viewers, look forward to?
Will Macík win a golden hat trick?
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With two Bedouins in his pocket, Martin Macík doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone – he has a durable technique, a lot of experience and the speed to compete for the overall victory.But will he finally manage to get the golden hat trick and stand on the top step of the podium? He’s certainly one of the biggest favorites, and his team has been working hard to prepare a new, even more powerful truck.
Though, the competition is fierce. Nasser Al-Attiyah, the reigning champion, is back with a new Prodrive Hunter and is hungry for another title. Carlos Sainz, a Dakar legend, is also a serious contender, driving for Mini. And let’s not forget the young guns like Seth Quintero, who are eager to make a name for themselves.
In the motorcycle category, the defending champion Kevin Benavides will face tough competition from riders like Toby price, Sam Sunderland, and Adrien Van Beveren. The battle for the motorcycle crown is always unpredictable, with crashes and mechanical failures often playing a decisive role.
This year’s Dakar promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with stunning landscapes, dramatic moments, and a lot of dust. So buckle up and get ready for two weeks of non-stop action!
Cars: Toyota, Dacia, or Ford? This Will Be a prestigious Battle!
In the car category, just like last year, three car manufacturers will compete: Toyota, Dacia and Ford. The other two named gained experience last year, so they should be at full strength this year, but Toyota was not idle either. The whole race will be full throttle here, don’t doubt it! along with the factory teams, there are many privateers in the field who are waiting for their prospect. First and foremost, last year’s winner Yazeed Al-rajhi in a Toyota, but also Martin Prokop, who will be driving a factory Ford Raptor for the first time – meaning he has the best opportunity to improve on his fifth place from 2024…
New class of “serial cars”
The launch of the “slightly modified” Land Rover Defender D7X-R (based on the eight-cylinder Defender Octa) is not only a marketing move (the brand wants to show that it is still one of the best in the field and demonstrate its durability and reliability), but above all it may foreshadow the birth of a completely new category of production cars. Just imagine that in a few years Land Cruiser, Pajero or Patrol could also be on the market in addition to the Defender – that is, if Mitsubishi and Nissan bothered to start producing them again.
Where to Watch the Dakar Rally 2026
The Dakar rally is one of the world’s most challenging and prestigious off-road races. If you’re planning to follow the 2026 edition, here’s a guide on where to find live updates, daily summaries, results, and behind-the-scenes content.
Official Resources for Dakar Rally Coverage
The best place to start for complete coverage is the official Dakar Rally website and app.
* Dakar.com: The official Dakar Rally website provides real-time tracking, stage results, rider/driver profiles, news, and extensive photo and video galleries.
* Dakar App: Stay updated on the go with the official Dakar Rally submission, available on both Google Play and the App Store.
Television Broadcasts & Summaries
For those who prefer watching summaries on television, Nova Action TV Channel will be broadcasting daily recaps. Check local listings for specific times.
Online News and behind-the-Scenes Coverage
Several online platforms will provide news,results,and exclusive content:
* Sport.cz: Sport.cz will offer current results and news updates throughout the rally.
* Garáž.cz: Garáž.cz will provide behind-the-scenes insights and interesting stories from the Dakar Rally.
Key Takeaways
* Official Website & App: dakar.com and the Dakar Rally app are the primary sources for live tracking, results, and comprehensive information.
* Television: Nova Action TV channel will broadcast daily summaries.
* online News: Sport.cz and Garáž.cz will provide news, results, and behind-the-scenes coverage.
The 2026 Dakar Rally promises to be another thrilling event. By utilizing these resources, you can stay fully informed and enjoy all the action as it unfolds.