The second week of the Dakar 2025 is significantly heavier in kilometers than the first. And the tone is set from the start with a stage comprising two stages that are very distinct in their temperament. Initially, a sequence of stones will give way to a transfer which will mark a break in the difficulty. But during the second half of the day, you will have to avoid “tanking” on all types of sand: hills, dunes, tracks, etc.
Stage 7: Al Duwadimi- Al Duwadimi (481 km) / Route separate from motorcycles
The car crews must get into the habit of navigating without the help of the tracks left by the advanced bikers, since the split courses constitute the majority of the path which will lead them to the finish of the Dakar. Good news never comes alone, they will also benefit from a longer duration of sunshine to complete their stages. It will not be a luxury on this large loop to be classified among the truth stages of the fortnight. All the ingredients are there: a high cursor in terms of navigation, an alternation of slow and rolling terrain, and even a little mountain to spice up the game
Stage 8: Al Duwadimi-Riyadh (487 km) / Route separate from motorcycles
The level of intensity and variety does not weaken with today’s special. It is expected that on the road to the Saudi capital, the contenders for the title in each category will play a decisive game, so the thousands of kilometers already logged weigh heavily in the balance. The Dakar here enters fully into the register of extreme endurance, a constraint which concerns the physical as well as the mental and mechanical aspects.
Stage 9: Riyadh-Harad (357 km)
The journey continues through Saudi Arabia and to head towards the deep south, the road to Haradh is traced on generally fast terrain, what’s more over a timed distance affordable for the kilometer eaters remaining in the race. The conditions of competition at the top will dictate strategies, and will impose whatever happens, to lead at full speed, including simply to maintain one’s position.
Stage 10: Harad-Shubaytah (123 km) / Route separate from motorcycles
-The day will start very early with a long connection leading the competitors to the sands of the Empty Quarter. The distance of the special may seem harmless. It would be to forget that each kilometer of dunes here has its share of surprises. The wrong assessment of a summit approached blindly quickly leads to a pirouette, just as an approximate maneuver can easily get a car stuck in a bowl for twenty minutes! And this is only the beginning of your stay in the kingdom of the dunes.
Stage 11: Shubaytah-Shubaytah (284 km) / Route separate from motorcycles
The great challenge of the Empty Quarter takes shape and ends on the eve of the final arrival. Everything is still possible to snatch victory or a place on the podium on terrain where risks lurk at each erg, or in the chotts that separate them. Crossing aces can still open up significant gaps on both motorbikes and cars. But this time, three tracks have been planned in order to save trucks from having to park for too long in the hollows of the dunes.
Stage 12: Shubai-Shubai (62 km)
It is time to gain altitude to observe the spectacle of a line departure, the charge of a cavalry launched into the middle of the desert to devour at full strength, at least on certain stretches, the kilometers to be covered to reach consecration , whatever it is. Each with their own means and objectives, the pilots and co-pilots will enjoy a final arrival in the middle of a bivouac, in the middle of a circle of dunes. Thrills and emotions guaranteed.
READ ALSO > Dakar 2025 – Mohammed Ben Sulayem on Sébastien Loeb: “He has to adjust himself”
