How is the Paris Dakar Rally being run?
Normally, the event kicks off in France. Via Spain, we enter Africa. This event is traditionally the pinnacle in the Cross Country calendar and lasts 18 days. Each year, the organisers develop a new route. The overall distance adds up to around 10,000 kilometres. Every day, we drive another timed section. The conditions are new every day, for instance mountains and narrow, rock-strewn roads in Morocco, dunes and sand in Mali, Mauritania or Libya. Every evening, the co-driver receives a new road book including route details for the forthcoming stage. It includes details about the itinerary as well as warnings of possible obstacles like wash-outs or holes, the locations of the control points (CPs) or information about GPS and compass. The whole Dakar community is huge. The entry list usually comprises of 200 motocycles, 120 cars and some 100 lorries. Additionally, there are vehicles for doctors, catering, organisation and press. We are also accompanied by helicopters and aircrafts. Every
