Security fears mean the Dakar Rally is held in South America these days.
ADVERTISEMENTSecurity fears mean the Dakar Rally is held in South America these days.
Despite the change of venue, it remains as challenging, exciting and dangerous as ever.
The 8,000 kilometre race starts in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, heads north to Bolivia before turning back to finish in the Argentine city of Rosario on the 16th of January.
The motorbike section looks open with five-times winner Spain’s Marc Coma now an administrator.
In the cars holder Nasser Al-Attiyah will have to be at his best as making his debut in the event is the Frenchman Sebastian Loeb.
#Dakar2016 Na trasę dzisiejszego prologu ruszył właśnie Nasser Al-Attiyah pic.twitter.com/iAGHujk12y
— Mototrends (@Mototrends) January 2, 2016
#MINI prepares to achieve 5th consec #Dakar Rally - strongest line up yet of MINI ALL4 Racing and crews. Griffin pic.twitter.com/MlZWEeWYok
— Mister Griffin (@racingprojects) January 2, 2016
Loeb is the most successful rally driver in history winning nine world titles in a row and alongside him his brilliant co-pilot Daniel Elena.
Sebastian Loeb notas previas a su primera participación en el Dakar en el Team Total Peugeot pic.twitter.com/vuB8Hyt7Z3
— Red Bull Argentina (@redbullARG) January 2, 2016
The race features 354 cars, trucks, motorbikes and quads as they compete over 13 stages crossing mountains, rivers and deserts.