Sporting Aspects
2010 regulations
Download the car regulations of the 2010 Dakar (.pdf)
Download the bike regulations of the 2010 Dakar (.pdf)
This year, the organisers of the Dakar have decided to balance the sporting aspect by modifying the technical rules in the car and bike classes. The bonuses given to the competitors that reach the finish have also been increased.
Bikes: a more open race
To increase the sporting interest and renew the field of brands present on the rally, the organisers have modified the bike regulation for this new Dakar.
The measure has already changed the bike landscape and indeed already 6 different brands will be battling it out for a place in the Top 10 with the arrivals of Aprilia and Sherco, fighting with Honda, Yamaha, BMW and KTM.
In this transitional year, the big cylinders will still be accepted for the amateurs while the top bikers, listed according to their good results will ride with a bridle to reduce the power of their engine to the level of the 450cc machines. At the 2012 horizon, the race will only welcome bikes limited at 450cc.
Cars: a helping hand for the "gasolines"
The vehicles powered by a turbo diesel engine have taken command over their rivals and have managed a consequent gap on most of the crews that register on the rally. In order to reduce this margin and allow the most competitive drivers to battle it out for leadership, the amateur crews that have a vehicle powered by an atmospheric gasoline engine (+2 air valves/cylinder) will be authorised to increase the size of the air arrival bridle from 32mm to 34mm.
Bonuses: an increase of over 70 % for the bikers
The financial rewards have never been a major motivation for the competitors registered on a Dakar. The prestige of the title, whatever the class, and the accomplishment of a challenge based on one's capacities are a lot more decisive in the implication of the competitors. It however appeared necessary to increase the bonuses awarded to the best riders and drivers, especially in the bike class. The total amount given out has been increased by over 70% (25 000€ for the winner) while the prize list for instance now goes all the way to the 5th position of the overall standings (vs 3rd position in 2009). In the same way the amateurs will be rewarded up to the 10th position of the specific classification, and the best three of the riders with no assistance will also receive a bonus.
topThe tracks discovered in Argentina and Chile during the 2009 edition represent for the teams of the rally an invitation to continue the exploration. On a sporting point of view, the potential of these territories offers exalting perspectives: by exploring new areas, the 2010 Dakar will offer an intense and renewed challenge. The experience of the first edition in South America having shown some restraints in terms of terrain, several changes have been planned in order to ensure security and equity between the competitors.
More sand
The dune crossings and off-track navigation are part of the essential elements of rally raid. It is in these key domains that are evaluated the technical capacities of the competitors: in the sand, the performance is also a story of finesse and strategy. During the 2009 edition, the drivers and riders were already able to test themselves on different types of sand. They will have even more dune crossings in 2010.
On equal terms
The two countries that welcome the Dakar present complementary characteristics with enough variety to authorise different types of piloting to be expressed. The course planned for the 2010 race was designed with the will to spread equally the stages and difficulties between Argentina and Chile. The mileage, both in special and liaison, will be more or less the same from one side to the other of the Andes.
An adapted format
Doubled routes
It sometimes occurs that the race configuration makes it difficult to mix different classes of vehicles. Each time the reconnaissance team judges that it is possible and necessary, different routes will be planned in order to limit risks. These devices will also allow taking bikers in more technical portions where they will be able to show their specific aptitudes.
A race for each
Again with the goal to fluidify the progression of the race vehicles, the starting times will be widened between the different types of vehicles. Thus, the first car will take off long after the last bike and the trucks will systemically take off after the last car.
