Dakar Classic

The Dakar Classic is the historic sister event of the legendary Dakar Rally, organised by the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) every January alongside the main race since 2021. Current host: Saudi Arabia.

Unlike the uncompromising speed format of the Dakar, the Classic is a regularity event – emphasising precision and navigation over outright speed. Across roughly 4,000 timed kilometres and around 12 stages spread over two weeks, teams tackle sand dunes, rock formations and high-altitude passes.

Eligibility is open to classic 4x4s, historic rally trucks and motorcycles from the 1980s and '90s, up to 2005 models. Icons like the Porsche 959, classic Range Rovers and Land Rover Defenders enjoy their grand comeback here – a living museum of rally raid history.