The 2024 FIA-FIM World Rally-Raid Championship presents itself as a season of high expectations and exciting challenges, extending across four continents and five races. This year, the competition promises to be a dynamic mix of tradition and novelty, maintaining its essence while introducing fresh elements.
The season kicks off with the legendary Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia. Known for its demanding routes and extreme conditions, the Dakar represents a rigorous test of endurance and skill for both competitors and their vehicles. The 2024 edition, held in January, continues the tradition of this desert event, offering a formidable challenge to open the championship.
The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge follows the Dakar, taking competitors to the vast deserts of the United Arab Emirates at the end of February. This race, rooted in the history of rally raid, is distinguished by its sandy landscapes and the navigation challenges it demands.
April marks a highlight with the introduction of the BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Transiberico, an event that crosses Portugal and Spain. This addition to the calendar reflects an effort to bring the competition closer to a wider audience in Europe, leveraging the rich motorsport history of both nations.
June sees the return of the Desafio Ruta 40 in Argentina. This race is crucial for maintaining interest and excitement in Latin America, a region with a deep connection to rally raid. The Desafio Ruta 40 has established itself as a key event in the calendar, notable for its challenging routes and varied landscapes.
Finally, the season culminates in October with the Rallye du Maroc in Africa. This race is the traditional closing of the championship, where the winners are crowned and the end of another thrilling W2RC season is celebrated.
| Round | Dates | Rally |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | January 5 - January 19 | Dakar Rally, Saudi Arabia |
| 2 | February 25 - March 2 | Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, United Arab Emirates |
| 3 | April 2 - April 7 | BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Transiberico, Portugal |
| 4 | June 2 - June 8 | Desafio Ruta 40, Argentina |
| 5 | October 5 - October 11 | Rallye du Maroc, Morocco |
Although the Sonora Rally was part of the W2RC in 2023, this year it has decided to return to its roots as an independent event, focusing on North American competitors. This decision reaffirms the Sonora Rally's commitment to the development and support of the rally raid community in the region, providing an essential platform for local competitors without the shadow of the larger W2RC teams.
