The Dakar 2023 route modified, appearance of a half-marathon stage

The weather forecast preventing the operation of the Al Duwadimi bivouac on a complete reception plan for the caravan, stages 7 and 8 of the Dakar Rally 2023 have been arranged in a marathon format in order to be able to offer an equivalent and relevant sports program to competitors. Starting from the initial route, the special stages of stages 7 and 8 were exchanged, with a shortening of the distance allowing for good management of the liaison mileage for each day.

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For stage 7, to be played on Saturday January 7 (Riyadh > Al Duwadimi), the special will be played over 333 kilometers. The competitors not having anticipated a real marathon stage at this stage of the race,  an assistance zone will be organized after the finish of the special (connection, 94 km), for a maximum intervention duration of two hours. The drivers and crews will then head towards Al Duwadimi (240 kilometer link) where their vehicles will be parked in a closed park.

Stage 8, Sunday January 8, will make the return trip to Riyadh, with the program initially planned loop of stage 7 cut by 128 kilometers. The timer will therefore be started over 345 kilometers, then the competitors will head towards the Riyadh bivouac.

The rest day remains at the Riyadh site on January 9, and the Dakar will then resume according to the initial schedule... under the sun!