Next January, the world’s most grueling rally is returning to Saudi Arabia with a punishing 12-stage route that will cover a 7,891km (4,903 mile) trek on roads, tracks and dunes, including 4,727km (2,937 miles) of specials. “We took it upon ourselves to make the fifth edition of Saudi Arabia the toughest one since the race came to the Middle East,” said rally director David Castera.

The upcoming Dakar will not only showcase 60% all-new sections but also a new “48-hour Chrono Stage” in which the competitors, scattered among eight bivouacs, will be basically left to their own devices. 

But there will also be something new for those who will follow the upcoming race. For the first time ever, Dakar organizers have launched the ‘Race To Win’ challenge with a big reward in store for anybody who can predict who will win the race. Want to get in the game? Here is how it works according to ASO:

1. Build your team by selecting one vehicle from each of the seven classes – Rally GP, Rally 2, Quad, Ultimate, Challenger, SSV, Trucks.

2. Any time one of your vehicles completes a stage, they’ll earn 20 points for your team. And if they finish in the top 10, you’ll earn even more. 

3. You can nominate one vehicle as your ‘Stage Winner Bonus’ for each stage – any points the driver earns will double. There are also daily bonus points up for grabs when you take the Aramco Booster quiz. 

For the 6th stage (Chrono Stage), which takes place over 2 days, the points will be doubled. For example, if one of your vehicles snatches 1st place then you will earn 400 points instead of the 200 points assigned to a classic stage.

The Big Prize

Dakar organizers have put together several prizes so there are plenty of chances to be rewarded. The overall winner of the contest will get the Grand prize consisting of a VIP all-expenses paid trip for two to experience Dakar 2025 in person.

Those who finish 2nd to 10th will get signed and framed driver memorabilia from the race while those who end in 11th-20th place will each win a Dakar Desert Rally video game. Moreover, throughout the competition there will be daily drops where all stage winners will receive discount vouchers on official Dakar merchandise. 

Think you have what it takes to win? Sign in at racetowinbyaramco.dakar.com. Good luck!