The 2026 Dakar Rally has drawn an unprecedented 72 entries for the opening round of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, marking a significant milestone as the legendary event approaches its conclusion in Saudi Arabia this weekend.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is set to witness the finale of the 48th edition of the rally raid firsthand, with plans to attend the closing ceremony on Saturday evening where he will address participants and spectators. His visit comes as the championship demonstrates what officials describe as remarkable growth in both competitor numbers and manufacturer engagement.
The record entry list for this year’s event has been accompanied by the introduction of the new FIA Master Drivers’ Championship, whilst Defender has joined the competition as a fresh manufacturer presence, adding to the diversity of brands competing in the demanding desert terrain.
On Friday, Ben Sulayem will be received by HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, who chairs the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation. The pair will tour sections of the rally route together, observing the competition as it builds towards its climax.
Reflecting on the championship’s trajectory, the FIA president commented: “The Dakar Rally continues to go from strength to strength, with record numbers of entries, new manufacturers, and ever-increasing competition in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, reflecting the continued global growth of motorsport.”
He added: “As one of the most iconic and demanding events in world motorsport, this year’s Rally has once again demonstrated the region’s role as a key platform for motorsport development and innovation.”
Ben Sulayem also expressed gratitude to the host nation, stating: “My congratulations and sincere thanks go to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Faisal Al Saud, and the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation for hosting another outstanding event and delivering a truly world-class experience for competitors, fans, and all those involved.”
The Kingdom’s hosting of the Dakar Rally has been credited with elevating both the event’s profile and the broader World Rally-Raid Championship since the race relocated to the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has provided diverse and challenging terrain that has tested competitors across multiple stages of the gruelling competition.
Malcolm Wilson OBE, who serves as the FIA’s Deputy President for Sport, will join Ben Sulayem during the visit to the rally. Wilson has highlighted the increasing commitment from major manufacturers as a particularly positive development for the championship’s future.
“The 2026 edition of the Dakar Rally continues to showcase both the growth of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship and the strength of Cross-Country rallying as a whole,” said Wilson.
He elaborated on the manufacturer landscape: “At the Championship’s elite level, it is particularly encouraging to see three manufacturers – Toyota, Dacia and Ford – all increasing their presence within the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, while the Stock category also welcomes Defender as a manufacturer for the first time, marking an important step for production-based competition within the championship.”
Wilson concluded by noting: “As one of the most historic events in global motor sport, the Dakar Rally has once again delivered an impressive sporting spectacle for fans.”
The expanded manufacturer involvement represents a significant shift for the championship, with established brands deepening their commitments alongside newcomers entering the fray. This diversification is seen as vital for the long-term health and competitiveness of rally-raid competition at the highest level.
The Dakar Rally, which has been held in Saudi Arabia since relocating from South America, continues to present one of motorsport’s most formidable challenges. Competitors face extreme conditions across varied landscapes, testing both human endurance and mechanical reliability over thousands of kilometres.
Meanwhile, the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship itself continues to develop as a global platform for cross-country racing. The governing body has been working to strengthen regulations and safety standards whilst encouraging broader participation from manufacturers and privateers alike.
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, established in 1904, operates from offices in Paris, London and Geneva. As the governing body for world motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations globally, it represents 245 member organisations spanning five continents. The non-profit organisation oversees six FIA World Championships among its various competitions, developing and enforcing regulations to maintain safety and fairness across international motorsport.
As the 2026 edition draws to a close, organisers and officials will be taking stock of another successful running of the event. The increased entries and manufacturer engagement suggest the championship has established solid foundations for continued expansion in coming years, with Saudi Arabia’s role as host nation proving instrumental in that development.