Definition
The 2009 Dakar Rally was the 31st edition of the annual cross‑country off‑road endurance event, organized by the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO). It was the first Dakar Rally staged entirely on the South American continent.
Overview
- Dates: 4 January 2009 – 18 January 2009
- Start/Finish: The rally commenced in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and concluded in Buenos Aires after a circuitous route through Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia.
- Distance: Approximately 9,500 km (5,900 mi) of timed special stages, combined with liaison sections.
- Participants: Roughly 500 teams entered, competing in the three main vehicle classes – Cars, Motorcycles (including a “Quad” subclass), and Trucks.
- Notable Winners:
- Cars: Carlos Sainz (Volkswagen Race Touareg)
- Motorcycles: Cyril Despres (KTM)
- Trucks: Accurate information is not confirmed.
The 2009 edition marked a major logistical shift for the Dakar Rally, moving from its traditional African route to South America in response to security concerns on the African continent. The new route featured a mix of desert dunes, high‑altitude plateaus, and rugged mountain passes, presenting novel challenges for competitors and support crews.
Etymology / Origin
The term “Dakar Rally” derives from Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, which served as the rally’s traditional finish line from its inception in 1979 until 2007. Although the 2009 event did not end in Dakar, the historical name has been retained for brand continuity.
Characteristics
- Vehicle Classes:
- Cars: Production‑based and prototype vehicles, limited to two‑person crews.
- Motorcycles: Solo riders on motorcycles up to 450 cc; a separate “Quad” subclass for four‑wheeled motorcycles.
- Trucks: Large, purpose‑built trucks with a crew of up to three.
- Stages: The rally comprised 14 special stages, each ranging from 150 km to over 600 km, interspersed with neutralised liaison sections.
- Navigation: Competitors relied on road‑book navigation, GPS‑assisted waypoint verification, and celestial navigation where electronic aids were restricted.
- Regulations: ASO technical and safety regulations governed vehicle specifications, mandatory equipment (e.g., survival kits, satellite phones), and driver‑rider rest periods.
- Environmental Factors: The South American terrain introduced high altitude (exceeding 4,500 m in the Andes), extreme temperature fluctuations, and variable weather patterns, influencing vehicle performance and strategy.
Related Topics
- Dakar Rally: The broader series of annual rally‑raid events, its history, and evolution.
- 2008 Dakar Rally: The final African‑based edition prior to the relocation.
- 2010 Dakar Rally: The second South American edition, which built upon the 2009 logistical framework.
- Rally‑Raid: The motorsport discipline encompassing long‑distance off‑road navigation events.
- Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO): The event‑organising company responsible for the Dakar Rally and other major sporting events.