The 2026 Dakar Rally, one of the world’s toughest off-road endurance races, begins today (January 3) in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, with a short prologue stage. The event runs until January 17, covering nearly 8,000 km (including ~5,000 km of timed specials) across demanding dunes, rocks, and new unexplored regions

Key highlights: Record competitors from 69 nationalities; new route starting and finishing in Yanbu; marathon stages and mid-stage service points for added challenge

Top contenders in cars: Defending champion Yazeed Al-Rajhi (Toyota), Nasser Al-Attiyah (Dacia, aiming for a sixth win), Sébastien Loeb (Dacia), Carlos Sainz (Ford), and Stéphane Peterhansel (Land Rover Defender debut)

Notable entries: Ford and Dacia challenging Toyota’s dominance; Land Rover entering three Defenders.
Watch live updates on various broadcasters or streaming services like Rally.TV equivalents for raid events.

World Rally Championship (WRC) 2026 Preview

The FIA World Rally Championship season starts later this month with Rallye Monte-Carlo (January 22–25), known for its unpredictable asphalt/snow conditions in the French Alps.

Driver news: Oliver Solberg joins Toyota full-time in Rally1; Grégoire Munster confirmed for Monte with M-Sport Ford; Hyundai shares third car among Esapekka Lappi, Dani Sordo, and Hayden Paddon (Paddon’s top-class return).

Other updates: Lancia returns to WRC2 with factory backing; Toyota entering GR Corolla in American Rally Association; 14-round calendar includes classics like Sweden, Safari, and a new slot for Japan in May.
Reigning champion Sébastien Ogier plans a partial campaign.