The 34th Dakar Rally will take place from January 1 to January 15, 2012, in Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Known as “the world’s toughest race,” the Dakar Rally has been held in South America for four consecutive years since leaving Africa in 2008, and Peru is also the 27th country to be included in the rally's route map.
Unlike previous years where both the start and finish were in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, this edition of the Dakar Rally begins in Mar del Plata and ends in Lima, the capital of Peru. The race route has also undergone significant changes, with the massive course stretching from the Atlantic coast across South America to the Pacific coast attracting a large number of rally enthusiasts. They can enjoy the thrill of the competition while experiencing the vast expanse of South American terrain. This year, an estimated 465 vehicles will start the race in Mar del Plata, an increase of nearly 15% compared to 2011.
The fourth Dakar South American journey takes place across three host countries—Argentina, Chile, and Peru—all of which feature extensive sandy areas and dunes. The race consists of 14 stages, including the white dunes between Fiambalá and the Andes Mountains and the Atacama Desert, which caused many difficulties for participants last year. The newly added Peru also features endless dunes, which will undoubtedly bring more varied and significant challenges for drivers, making the race situation even more unpredictable. The increased number of competing vehicles also leads to greater vehicle density, adding to the uncertainty of the race. Compared to previous years, the 2012 Dakar Rally will once again present a brand-new challenge for all the brave souls daring to take it on.
This edition of the Dakar Rally continues to be divided into car, motorcycle, quad, and truck categories.
