Typical day
The explanation of a typical day on the rally will allow you to immerse yourself in the life of a Dakar stage. You’ll discover all the aspects of a day on the rally and plenty of practical information.
The start time checkpoint is the first checkpoint of the day. Generally located at the bivouac exit, it marks the beginning of the liaison start. The start time checkpoint entrance is indicated by a sign. The driver should enter the zone during their check-in minute. Marshals will give the driver their time card for that particular day’s stage.
The selective section start marks the entry point into the Spéciale (or timed section) ; this is preceded by a time checkpoint to close the liaison.
A WPC is a Way Point that allows the respect of the Road Book to be checked, without any navigation information being supplied by the GPS other than its number, in the order of passage in relation to other Way Points, as well as its name, which uses its position in whole kilometres in the Road Book.
Way points are geographical points defined by latitude and longitude coordinates. Drivers must cover these mandatory way points that are saved in the GPS and indicated in the road book, but whose coordinates are hidden (except for Visible Way Points).
WPM – Concealed Way Point: can be seen on the GPS 800m from the target point and is registered when the driver is within 200m.
Checkpoints are marshalled areas where the driver’s time card is stamped by officials. These checkpoints are always a Concealed Way Point, an Eclipse Way Point or a Safety Way Point.
Way points are geographical points defined by latitude and longitude coordinates. Drivers must cover these mandatory way points that are saved in the GPS and indicated in the road book, but whose coordinates are hidden (except for Visible Way Points).
WPS – Safety Way Point: signals a hazard. Drivers are directed towards this point when within a 3km radius. It is registered when the driver is within 90m of the way point.
The pit stop is an area where motorbike, quad and SxS competitors stop for refuelling and repairs. Competitors must show their time card.
Way points are geographical points defined by latitude and longitude coordinates. Drivers must cover these mandatory way points that are saved in the GPS and indicated in the road book, but whose coordinates are hidden (except for Visible Way Points).
WPE – Eclipse Way Point: the point to which drivers are directed by the GPS once the previous Way Point has been registered. To register this point, drivers must pass within no less than 200m or 90m of the point, depending on the configuration.
This is an area designed for interviews with specific drivers. It is set up every day at the finish line of the Spéciale.
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