Dakar Rally Betting 2025

The 2025 Dakar Rally starts on January 3 in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, setting the stage for 14 days of intense desert racing. With ever-changing conditions and thousands of kilometers to cover, Dakar Rally betting demands careful strategy.

Knowing the route, key stages, and top competitors will help you make informed bets.

When betting, you should focus on fundamental choices by analyzing past performances. Top performers like Nasser Al-Attiyah or Carlos Sainz are safer bets due to their track records. Consider vehicle reliability, as mechanical issues can affect outcomes.

• Overheating, suspension failures, or gearbox problems are common in endurance rallies. Check if certain teams or vehicle models have a track record of these problems.
• Some manufacturers are known for building more reliable cars, so looking into the vehicles used by top drivers can be helpful. 
• Before big events, updates on vehicle maintenance or upgrades can provide insight into performance. 
• The pit crew also plays an important role—experienced teams can fix problems quickly and keep drivers in the race.

Head-to-head (H2H) bets are also a good alternative to outright winner bets. Predict which of the two competitors will finish ahead, reducing risk and offering manageable options. Matchups involving competitors with similar experiences or vehicles are worth considering.

Additionally, experts advise concentrating on specific classes where you have the most information, such as Cars, Bikes, or Trucks. The Ultimate Class often sees experienced drivers and factory teams dominating. Lightweight Prototypes (T3) and SSVs (T4) can offer value bets with promising up-and-coming drivers.

Stage betting is another option. Some competitors excel in specific terrains, like dunes or rocky tracks, making them strong choices for individual stage wins.

Dakar Rally betting options include outright winner bets for Cars, Bikes, or Trucks, and stage winner bets for individual stages.

You can also bet on the number of stages a driver will win, podium finishes, or head-to-head matchups between two competitors. Some online betting sites have special promotions like boosted odds or free bets during the Dakar Rally.

• Research competitor form by reviewing recent rally results, such as the Rallye du Maroc.
• Understand the 2025 route stages, terrains, and challenges. 
• Track weather conditions, as extreme weather can impact results, especially in desert stages. 
• Monitor vehicle reliability, particularly for new models making their debut. 

This year’s event, which covers nearly 8,000 kilometers and includes over 5,000 kilometers of specials, starts in Bisha and wraps up in Shubaytah. The organizers have increased the difficulty so that competitors will be pushed to their limits.

In 2025, more than 45% of the specials will be on new routes. The rally starts in Bisha and runs through dunes, rocky tracks, and wide-open deserts before ending in Shubaytah. This mix of terrain means drivers and riders will have fewer chances to rest and more pressure to perform.

A major highlight is the 48-hour superstage (Stage 2), held early in the race from Bisha to Bisha. This stage is all about stamina and navigation.

It’s likely to shake up the standings early on, making betting predictions tricky. Right after, teams will hit a marathon stage, where they’ll have to handle repairs on their own, adding another strategy.

The final part of the rally in the Empty Quarter will be about sand-driving skills. The unforgiving dunes of Shubaytah could decide the rally’s outcome.

• Prologue: Bisha > Bisha
• Stage 1: Bisha > Bisha
• Stage 2 (Superstage-48h): Bisha > Bisha
• Stage 3: Bisha > Al Henakiyah
• Stage 4: Al Henakiyah > AlUla
• Stage 5: AlUla > Hail
• Rest Day: Hail
• Stage 6: Hail > Al Duwadimi
• Stage 7: Al Duwadimi > Al Duwadimi
• Stage 8: Al Duwadimi > Riyadh
• Stage 9: Riyadh > Haradh
• Stage 10: Haradh > Shubaytah
• Stage 11: Shubaytah > Shubaytah
• Stage 12: Shubaytah > Shubaytah

1. Stage 2 (Superstage-48h): This 48-hour stretch in Bisha is a test of endurance and navigation. Mistakes here could cost a lot of time, making it critical for betting strategies.
2. Stage 4 (Al Henakiyah to AlUla): Expect rocky tracks and tough navigation. Drivers will need to be precise to avoid mechanical issues.
3. Stage 10 (Haradh to Shubaytah): The dunes of the Empty Quarter make this stage a tough one. Sand-driving specialists could gain an advantage here.
4. Stages 11 & 12 (Shubaytah): These back-to-back stages in the Empty Quarter will test who’s left with the stamina and skills to finish strong.

The 2025 Dakar Rally features experienced veterans and newcomers across all categories. Knowing who’s competing and their backgrounds can help you follow the race more closely and make smarter betting decisions.

Carlos Sainz (Ford Performance) is a motorsport legend with two World Rally Championship titles (1990 and 1992) and four Dakar Rally wins. Since his debut in 2006, Sainz has claimed victories with four different manufacturers: Volkswagen (2010), Peugeot (2018), MINI (2020), and Audi (2024). 

Known for his precision and relentless drive, he made history by winning the 2024 Dakar with an electric-powered vehicle. In 2025, he aims to add a fifth title with Ford, already showing his potential by winning a stage at the recent Rallye du Maroc. 

Nasser Al-Attiyah (Dacia Sandriders) is a five-time Dakar winner known for his exceptional desert navigation and endurance skills. Since his debut in 2004, he has secured victories with Volkswagen (2011), MINI (2015), and Toyota (2019, 2022, 2023). 

For 2025, Al-Attiyah will race in the new Dacia Sandrider, aiming for a sixth title. He dominated the 2024 W2RC season and clinched a win at the Rallye du Maroc, proving the new Dacia’s potential. This year, he partners with Edouard Boulanger as his co-driver, bringing a fresh approach to his Dakar campaign.

Toby Price (Toyota Overdrive) is switching to the car category for the 2025 Dakar Rally. After a decade on motorbikes, where he won two Dakar titles in 2016 and 2019, Price will drive a Toyota Hilux prepared by Overdrive Racing.

He has six podium finishes and eight top-10 results on two wheels, showcasing his consistency and endurance. 

Price’s experience in off-road racing includes three Finke Desert Race wins and participation in events like the Baja 1000. His background in navigating tough terrains and pushing through injuries makes him a strong contender in his new challenge.

Mitch Guthrie Jr. (Ford Performance) moves from the Challenger class to the Ultimate category for the 2025 Dakar Rally. He has secured multiple stage wins and podium finishes in rally events, including the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and the Rallye du Maroc.

Rokas Baciuška (Toyota Overdrive) debuted in the Ultimate class after winning three consecutive W2RC titles in the lightweight divisions. He also has three Dakar podium finishes in the SSV category and has shown consistent performance in international rally raids.

Gonçalo Guerreiro (Red Bull Off-Road Junior Team) enters the Challenger class for his first Rally Dakar. He has won the Baja Portalegre 500 three times and has competed in the Portuguese Cross-Country Championship, where he demonstrated his skill in handling challenging terrains and long-distance navigation.

Practical Insights for Following Competitors

Veterans like Sainz, Al-Attiyah, and Loeb are safer bets for overall wins or podium finishes because they know how to handle the rally’s challenges. New vehicles from Ford and Dacia add uncertainty, so watch their performance in the early stages. 

Some drivers specialize in specific terrains — for example, Al-Attiyah dominates sand dunes, while Ekström handles technical stages well. Debutants like Baciuška and Guthrie Jr. could offer value in head-to-head bets or stage wins. 

Sports betting enthusiasts might also be interested in our recent article that covers Australian Open predictions.

The motorbike category in the 2025 Dakar Rally promises intense competition with a strong field of experienced riders and rising stars.

Kevin Benavides (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) is a two-time Dakar winner, winning in 2021 with Honda and in 2023 with KTM. He made an impressive debut in 2016, finishing fourth and winning a stage on Day 3. 

Despite setbacks like breaking his hand before the 2017 rally and engine failures in 2020 and 2022, Kevin’s resilience and determination have kept him at the top. 

In 2023, he clinched the title in a thrilling finish, starting the final stage just 12 seconds behind Toby Price. After a serious injury in May 2024, Kevin is fighting to return in top form for the 2025 Dakar, motivated by the chance to race alongside his brother Luciano.

Luciano Benavides (KTM) is set for his seventh Dakar Rally in 2025. The 29-year-old Argentine rider has shown steady progress since his debut in 2018. He achieved his best result in 2023, finishing sixth and winning three stages. 

Despite a challenging 2024 season with injuries, including a broken hip at the Desafío Ruta 40, Luciano remains determined to compete at his best. He returned to racing at the Morocco Rally, where he debuted on a new KTM bike and secured a podium finish. Luciano’s goal for 2025 is to build on his past successes and continue his upward trajectory.

Pablo Quintanilla (Monster Energy Honda) will make his 13th Dakar appearance in 2025. He debuted in 2013 and showcased his talent with a fourth-place finish in 2015. In 2016, he reached the podium with a third-place finish and later earned two FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championships. 

In 2019, he displayed incredible determination by finishing fourth despite a double ankle fracture. He claimed second place in 2020 after a close battle with Ricky Brabec.

After joining Honda in 2021, he won the Morocco Rally and came within three minutes of winning the 2022 Dakar. Quintanilla finished fourth in 2023 and remains a strong and reliable competitor.

Daniel Sanders (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) burst onto the Dakar scene in 2021, finishing fourth and earning the best rookie title. The Australian, known as “Chucky,” has faced multiple challenges since then. In 2022, despite fracturing his elbow and wrist, he managed to finish seventh. 

In 2023, a broken femur during training disrupted his preparation, but he still completed the eighth-place rally. For his fifth Dakar, Sanders is fully recovered and part of KTM’s official team. His victory at the 2024 Rallye du Maroc shows he has the speed and endurance to be a strong contender for the 2025 title.

Harith Noah (Sherco TVS Rally Team) is ready for his sixth Dakar in 2025. After first finishing the Dakar in 2021 with a 20th-place result—the best-ever for an Indian rider—he has steadily improved. His 2024 campaign saw him finish 11th and win the Rally 2 title, overcoming a serious spinal injury. 

Born in Germany, Harith began riding at 16, discovering his passion through dirt bike racing in India. His journey has included competing in W2RC events and the Transanatolia Rally, steadily honing his skills. Harith’s resilience and determination make him a strong contender in the motorbike category.

Dakar Rally 2025 betting combines knowledge, strategy, and a willingness to take risks. Knowing the route, key stages, and leading competitors helps you spot good betting opportunities.

Focus on driver form, vehicle reliability, and how they perform on different terrains to guide your decisions. With the right insights, the Dakar Rally offers many chances for smart and rewarding bets.