Rally Raid
Former Dakar Rally Sporting Director Marc Coma explains the differences between racing the Dakar in Africa and South America.
A decade ago, it seemed the Dakar Rally had reached the end of the road. The 30th edition of the world's toughest and most popular rally had to be abandoned on safety grounds. Over the years the African race had faced all sorts of threats and challenges, but it was finally halted by terrorists.
But now, in the race's new home of South America, the Dakar's fearsome reputation remains intact for the 40th anniversary edition.
Everyone involved has declared that recent Dakar routes have been every bit as tough as they used to be in Africa, and now with the sands of Peru back on the menu, we're gearing up for a special race in January 2019.
We spoke to Marc Coma, a five-time Dakar bike winner and the event's former Sporting Director, to learn the key differences between the two Dakars: Africa, the original, and South America, the brave new world.
1. Facilities
The roads, cities and services are quite well developed in South America so the logistics are easier. For instance, if you're travelling from one stage to the next, in Africa, the desert is… desert. It's quite complex from a logistical point of view.
2. Comfort
The road network is so good in South America that the factory teams and even most of the private teams can use motorhomes. To move the whole camp in Africa was very difficult and you just had to sleep in a tent.
3. Popularity
Just watch the television – there are far more spectators in South America. There are more towns along the way and so people support us more. In Africa the people are also wonderful, but the Sahara desert is very different to the routes we take now.
4. Adventure
Africa was really epic. Today, safety is rightly a concern, but even with these considerations there's no adventure out there quite like the Dakar.
5. Authenticity
No matter what, Africa will always be in my heart. But you have to be realistic – staying there would have meant a lot of changes. The African race would have evolved towards being controlled a lot more closely, but it would have been equally tough.
6. Speed vs navigation
In the first few editions in South America, speed could sometimes be more important than your ability to find the right direction. Fortunately in recent times we have enjoyed the Dakar like in the good old times, as tough as it gets.
7. Altitude sickness
The Sahara desert is unique, but in South America there is a new and dangerous element – the high altitude. In 2018, five days will be at an altitude of more than 3,000m above sea level. There is no specific training for this situation.
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