- Start of the 2026 Dakar Rally on January 3 in Yanbu
- Total distance of around 7,900 kilometers through Saudi Arabia
- Strong factory entries from Honda, KTM, and Hero
While the new year has begun around the world, the bivouac in Yanbu is buzzing with activity. Technical inspections, administrative checks, and private test days mark the final phase before the start of the 48th edition of the Tourist Trophy. For many riders, this is the crucial opportunity to check their equipment and procedures under realistic conditions.
Final tests and prologue as first indicator
Before the official start, the organizers provide participants with a clearly defined test area. Here, not only are motorcycles tuned, but safety systems such as GPS and Iritrack are also tested. In the past, this dress rehearsal has already led to individual teams having to withdraw from the start.
The Dakar 2026 will officially open on January 3 with a 23-kilometer prologue around Yanbu. The short special stage, which is mainly on gravel, will determine the starting order for the first stage. First, the drivers in the Rally2 category will take to the track, followed by the top drivers in the RallyGP class.
Hero Motorsport focuses on development and experience
From a German-speaking perspective, the Hero Motorsport factory team is particularly in focus. Behind the Indian manufacturer is the Speedbrain team based in Stephanskirchen. Ross Branch is the sporting figurehead in the RallyGP class. The 39-year-old looks back on a difficult season, but believes his team is in good shape technically.
Branch points to the continuous development of the Hero 450 Rally and emphasizes that last year’s results do not reflect the actual progress made. Despite setbacks at the Dakar and other World Championship races, the 2024 Dakar runner-up is confident about the upcoming edition. The Hero lineup is complemented by Chilean Nacho Cornejo and Rally2 contender Tobias Ebster.
Honda with broad lineup in RallyGP and Rally2
Honda has downsized its RallyGP team for 2026, but at the same time has established a junior program in the Rally2 category. Two-time Dakar winner Ricky Brabec leads the line-up in the premier class. The American has fought his way back after a serious knee injury and, despite physical limitations, sees himself as a contender for victory once again.
“It felt like my knee had exploded from the inside,” Brabec said, looking back on his accident. However, he says the injury has not affected him recently. His stated goal remains a third overall Dakar victory, even though he considers the competition from Daniel Sanders and teammate Tosha Schareina to be particularly strong.
In the Rally2 category, Honda is relying on rookies Preston Campbell and Martim Ventura. Both are about to make their Dakar debuts and are expected to gain valuable experience in a professional environment. Team manager Ruben Faria cautiously sets the goal of a top-5 finish in the class and a place among the top 15 in the overall standings.
Defending champion Sanders on increasing risk
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing is starting the season with high expectations for Team Red Bull KTM. Daniel Sanders originally comes from enduro racing and sees clear differences, but also parallels between hard enduro events and the Dakar. He emphasizes that rally speeds have continued to increase, and with them the risk. Navigation at high speeds has become the decisive factor.
The route of the 2026 Dakar
The 2026 Dakar Rally will consist of a total of 13 stages and one rest day. The start and finish will be in Yanbu on the Red Sea. Marathon stages, long liaison stages, and a mix of rocky terrain, fast sandy tracks, and dunes characterize the route. A total of 4,782 kilometers of special stages and 3,117 kilometers of liaison stages are on the program.
Outlook for the Dakar start
With technical inspections completed and successful test days behind us, the focus is now on the prologue and the first stage around Yanbu. The level of competition in RallyGP and Rally2 is high, and mistakes will hardly be forgiven. Favorites, returnees from injury, and ambitious newcomers will face one of the most demanding routes in recent years.
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