The Differences Between the Dakar Rally and the WRC from the Type of Competition to the Level of Danger

Illustration of the Dakar Rally (Motul)

YOGYAKARTA - The Dakar Rally and the WRC are both stressful rally races. Although both trigger adrenaline, the differences between the Dakar Rally and the WRC are quite visible, one of which is on the track used. This article will discuss what is the difference between the Dakar Rally and the World Rally Championship (WRC).

The difference between the Dakar Rally and the WRC

The Dakar Rally and WRC (World Rally Championship) are rally racing events, which are motor vehicle racing sports that are carried out on non-circuit tracks. This means that the Dakar Rally and WRC are both held on road terrain that has not been processed into a circuit, such as in mountain paths and even in deserts.

Even though they are both held on non-circuit tracks, the Dakar Rally and the WRC have several differences as follows.

Type of Competition

The Dakar Rally focuses on extreme natural tracks. This type of race will test all aspects ranging from vehicle performance, driving techniques, navigation skills, spare parts supply systems, vehicle repair capabilities, physical and mental strength, even driver experience.

Meanwhile, the WRC is a rally that focuses on speed, driving precision, and consistency of duration in each special stage. This rally is usually held at the world level.

Duration and Track Distance

The duration of the Dakar Rally race is usually held for 10 to 15 consecutive days with a total track reaching 8,000 to 9,000 km. Meanwhile, the WRC usually has a shorter duration of 3 to 4 days per session with a rally distance of 1,000 to 1,500 km.

Medan and Trek

The Medan and Dakar Rally tracks are often more extreme, can be in the desert, savannah, rocky tracks, snow arenas, and other extreme tracks. Even often the track does not have a clear road so that navigation skills can be very important. Meanwhile, the WRC terrain is usually varied. In one race, the available track can be asphalt, snow, land, or other combinations. The route has also been mapped by the organizers.

Vehicle Used

Vehicles used in the Dakar Rally are often diverse, cars, motorcycles, even trucks. Only the Rally vehicles are modified according to the needs so that the durability is higher because the vehicles are not only designed to be fast.

Meanwhile, in the WRC only uses rally cars. Usually the car is designed to be light and efficient. The car must also have maximum acceleration and handling.

Level of Danger

The Dakar Rally is considered a race with a greater risk than the WRC. The risk of the Dakar Rally can get lost on the track, even get stuck in a ravine if you are not careful. Meanwhile, in the WRC, the danger is usually measured so that it can be anticipated.

That's the information related to the difference between the Dakar Rally and the WRC. Visit VOI.id for other interesting information.