00:00Everyone can potentially enter the Dakar and you don't need to be rally raid champion to take part.
00:11In fact, the vast majority of its competitors are amateurs.
00:15The only condition is to be at least 18 years of age and possess a FIA international license for cars and trucks or FIM international license for bikes.
00:24The motorbikes, however, are subject to a special selection process.
00:28You can find out more about it by watching our dedicated video.
00:33The goal of the Dakar is to have both professional and amateurs participating in the same rally and on the same route.
00:40So, if you have the spirit for adventure and the desire to compete, as well as the financial resources to get both you and your vehicle along with any necessary support to the start line, then you can compete.
00:53That said, it can take competitors years to prepare for their first Dakar rally and the physical and mental challenges of the race cannot be underestimated.
01:04Professional teams, on the other hand, often come with the backing and support of large auto manufacturers and constructors who see the Dakar as the perfect platform for the testing and development of their vehicles and prototypes.
01:16They come with big budgets and sponsorship and employ professional driving and support teams along with mechanics, medics and cooks.
01:23Some of the factory teams include KTM, Honda, Sherco, Hiro, Covemoto and Fantec in the bikes.
01:31Toyota, Mini, Dacia and Ford in the cars.
01:35Iveco, Tatra, Man and Hino in the trucks.
01:38Canam, Polaris, Taurus and Yamaha in the SSVs.
01:43Despite the differences between the two groups of competitors, they both run the same course and conditions and are bound by camaraderie in which all try to help each other to make it to the finish line.
01:53In fact, it is not uncommon to see factory racing teams providing assistance and support to amateur teams and pilots on the course within the bivouac sites.
02:03The exception being the riders within the original bimotor category, who under the rules are allowed no assistance other than from their fellow competitors in that class.
02:13You can find out more about them by watching our dedicated video.
02:17Ultimately, what separates the amateurs from the professional teams is that whilst the amateurs come to Dakar with the dream of simply competing and hopefully making it to the finish line,
02:28the professional teams are out to win the Dakar and the prestige that comes with it.
