The Dakar Heads for South America

For the first time, the engines of the legendary Dakar rally raid will roar outside Africa: on January 3-18, they will raise dust all along 9,000 kilometers (5,590 mi.) throughout Argentina and Chile.

Competitors from 52 countries will drive dodging several obstacles and challenges thanks to the heterogeneous topography and magnificent natural landscapes of this South American region.

With Buenos Aires as starting and arrival point, the rally will head southwards, passing through the provinces of La Pampa and Río Negro until reaching Puerto Madryn in Chubut, where it will start moving northwards, passing through Ingeniero Jacobacci in Río Negro and the provinces of Neuquén and Mendoza.  After driving along Chile, from Valparaíso to Atacama, competitors will cross the border once again to go through the Argentine provinces of Catamarca, La Rioja, Córdoba and Santa Fe, and then return to Buenos Aires.

During the first week of the rally, the beauty of Argentine Patagonia will give shelter to adventurers in its intricate geography: sailing challenges posed by its lakes and rivers, crossroads on its dunes and cliffs, and ambushes among its mountains.

Puerto Madryn will be the last “running” stage until which participants will be able to drive fast and without much difficulty. In this setting of contrasting colors, featuring the grey plateau, the sandy shades of the coast, and the blue sea, the second special section will start, and the true Dakar spirit will be unveiled.

Dakar Director Etienne Lavigne explains why they have decided to change continents:  “Believe me, we have rarely been so excited as we were by what we saw on our reconnaissance trips – what a discovery! Breathtaking landscapes, and such an incredible diversity! Time and time again, we stopped in our tracks – simply to admire our surroundings. It is indescribable – nature in a pure state.”

Some dates of the 2009 Dakar to take into account:
· May 15-June 30, 2008: Reception of documents for registration.
· November 26-27, 2008: First phase of technical scrutineering and administrative checks in Le Havre.
· December 31, 2008-January 1, 2009: Second phase of technical scrutineering and administrative checks at La Rural building in Buenos Aires.
· January 3, 2009: First stage departure from Buenos Aires at Plaza de la República.
· January 10, 2009: Rest day in Valparaíso.
· January 18, 2009: Arrival in Buenos Aires.

And here, all the official route:

January 3 of  2009: Section Buenos Aires - La Pampa

January 4 of  2009: Section La Pampa - Puerto Madryn

January 5 of  2009: Section Puerto Madryn - Ing. Jacobacci

January 6 of  2009: Section Ing. Jacobacci - Neuquén

January 7 of  2009: Section Neuquén - San Rafael

January 8 of  2009: Section San Rafael - Mendoza

January 9 of  2009: Section Mendoza - Valparaíso

January 10of  2009: Section Descanso Valparaíso

January 11 of  2009: Section Valparaíso - La Serena

January 12 of  2009: Section La Serena - Copiapó

January 13 of  2009: Section Copiapó - Copiapó

January 14 of  2009: Section Copiapó - Fiambalá (marathon stage)

January 15 of  2009: Fiambalá - La Rioja

January 16 of  2009: La Rioja - Córdoba

January 17 of  2009: Córdoba - Buenos Aires

January 18 of  2009: Rally’s end: Arrival to Buenos Aires