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Each year the
world's bravest drivers come together to compete in the Paris-Dakar Rally, a
grueling 7,000 mile trek across every imaginable terrain, from Paris,
France, to Dakar, Senegal, Africa. They do battle in
trucks, cars, motorbikes and ATVs, all striving for the honor of being
called the ultimate off-road champion.
Visit the official site!
This year’s starting line-up comprises 165 bikes, 128 cars,
49 trucks, and 147 assistance vehicles, between them representing 24
countries. Their journey will take them through five countries, two
continents and contrasting extremes of heat and cold, mountains and sea
level, desert and farmland.
Along the way, they may have to cope with snowstorms and sub-zero
temperatures before tackling the inevitable sandstorms and searing heat of
the desert. Not surprisingly, the conditions exert a severe toll on drivers
and vehicles. The attrition rate is high, and even finishing is considered
an achievement.
Watch the Dakar on TV!
Although Paris is no longer the starting point every year, and this year is
the first that Dakar is not the end-point, the event is still popularly
known as the Paris-Dakar rally. Since its inception in 1977, it has become
one of the world’s great sporting challenges.
Trace the route!
BMW has won the
event 6 times in the bike category. This year BMW once again has competitors
entered in the bike category, and the BMW X5 will be driven by several teams
in the car category.
Formula One racing!
Experience the
world's most challenging rally here, with pictures of BMW bikes and drivers
who have participated in the event the past 2 years, including the year 2000
bike winners!
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