Jeddah, December 16, 2022, SPA – The countdown has begun for the launch of the 4th edition of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia 2023, as preparations have reached the final stage for the launch of the 45th edition of the biggest challenges in the world of motorsports and the most ancient rally on earth after 15 days, which will be hosted by the Kingdom for the fourth time in a row. The preliminary stage and the opening ceremony will be held on December 31, ahead of the start of the official competitions on January 1 until next January 15. The race comprises 14 stages and one preliminary, during which drivers and cars alike will challenge their ability to withstand the harshest experiences in motorsports, as the race pushes the participants to their fullest physical and mental limits, where the participants set out with their vehicles to challenge the majestic Saudi desert with its harsh terrain for a total distance of more than 8,500 km, passing through the most amazing landscapes and archaeological sites in the Kingdom. The Saudi Dakar Rally 2023 edition is the longest for the special timed stages since 2014, and has attracted more than 820 drivers and navigators representing more than 68 countries, with a total of more than 450 vehicles in various categories of the race, including 125 motorcycles, 73 cars, and 56 trucks and 47 vehicles in the category of light desert vehicles "T3" model, and 46 vehicles in the category of light vehicles for commercial production "T4", and 19 four-wheel motorcycles "Quads", in addition to 89 cars and trucks in the Classic category. France is one of the countries most represented by drivers in the rally with about 194 participants, followed by Spain with about 119 participants, then the Netherlands with 90 participants, in all categories of the rally, while 150 participants are competing in the race for the first time, along with 131 legends and 27 participants in the “Original by Motul” category, in addition to 54 female drives, including two Saudis, will participate in the race, along with five crews made up entirely of women. This year's version features new tracks that include various types of terrain, where competitors will take on new challenges that will raise the level of suspense and excitement and add adventurous challenges to drivers, as it will take participants from the shores of the Red Sea to Dammam on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, and drivers will start their journey from the sea camp in Northwestern mountainous areas before heading to the far southeast for a three-day trek across an ocean of dunes in the Empty Quarter desert. The route will pass Al Ula, Hail, Dawadmi, Riyadh, Haradh, Empty Quarter, Shaybah, Hofuf, and Dammam. The track will also include one marathon stage in the Empty Quarter, a stage that requires the participating drivers to show high mental and physical strength in the rally to ensure their continuity and survival within the circle of competition for advanced positions without losing much time, as winning the rally depends on achieving a good result at the marathon stage. The challenge in the marathon stage lies in the competitors’ ability to run the race without any auxiliary vehicles or the participation of a team member or assistance crew, with all types and forms of external assistance are also absolutely prohibited, and only competitors will be allowed to operate on their vehicles, while at the same time they are allowed to help each other provided that they have not already been disqualified of competition. --SPA 17:42 LOCAL TIME 14:42 GMT 0012 www.spa.gov.sa/w1827566