最新公布的2005年达喀拉力赛将跨越8,956公里，比04年总赛程缩短2,000多公里，但明年的计时赛段将达到5,431公里，比04年多出7公里。

The 27th edition of the Dakar rally , unveiled by Sporting Director Patrick Zaniroli, is shorter but more challenging than previous years.

The race will cover 8,956km, two thousand less than last year's event, while covering a competitive distance of 5,431km - 7km more than 2004. The route begins in Barcelona on December 31 with a 4km special stage around the Catalan city and will visit five countries. "This year the stages are shorter but also more intense with the number of sand dune crossings in succession," explained Zaniroli. As a mark of respect to three-time motorcycling Dakar Rally winner Richard Sainct, champion in 1999, 2000 and 2003, who was killed during the Rally of the Pharoahs in Egypt last September, no number one jersey will be attributed during this year's race. Starting in Spain the race will then head through Morocco, Mauritania, Mali before heading for Senegal for the traditional finale at the Lac Rose at Dakar on January 16. The event will include sixteen stages, of which six will be in Mauritania, with January 9 set aside as a rest day. The main test for competitors will be the sand crossings in Mauritania, with a passage from Zouerat to Tichit totalling 660km of timed section. The first marathon stage will link up the two stages between Tichit and Tidjikja and Tidjikja to Atar, where no assistance or repairs can be made to the cars overnight.