Among the notable novelties for the 2022 edition of the Dakar rally-raid, we note a qualifying stage, the presence of three hybrid vehicles and inclusion in the World Rally-Raid Championship.
The stage between Jeddah and Ha'il on Saturday will serve as a qualifying round with a special of only 19 kilometers, which will allow the best placed drivers to choose their starting order for its big sister, stage “1b” the next day.
This 44th edition will also serve as a full-scale test for new arrivals: three Audi hybrid buggies will take part in the battle, their batteries being recharged by their heat engine.
The technique is also gaining ground in navigation: tablets will take an even more important part in road-books this year.
The Dakar becomes in 2022 the first round of the World Rally Raid Championship, for the FIA (auto) and the FIM (motorcycle), which will have five in total with also stages in Abu Dhabi, Kazakhstan, Andalusia and in Morocco.