Green light for the 2024 Dakar!

The 46^th Dakar got under way today in Saudi Arabia where BFGoodrich is targeting a 20^th win on the world’s toughest cross-country rally which this year features a route of practically just under 5 000 miles in length.

Action kicked off with a 17 miles Prologue stage near Al-Ula which was won by Swede Mattias Ekström (Audi RS Q e-tron), chased by the USA’s Seth Quintero (Toyota) and Frenchman Sébastien Loeb (Prodrive).

Most of the four-wheel drive prototypes competing in the Ultimate class (4×4 Audi RS Q e-tron E2, Toyota Hilux, Prodrive Hunter, Ford Ranger, Mini JCW, Red-Lined HW2024) are equipped with either BFGoodrich KDR2+ or KDR3 37-inch tires, while many of the two-wheel drive buggy entries are running on BFGoodrich rubber, too.

Competitors in the Challenger and SSV categories have a choice between BFGoodrich’s KM3, KDR3 and KR2 tires, and the brand is involved in the Classic class with its All-Terrain K/A range.

BFGoodrich technician Stéphane is attending the rally to advise the firm’s partner teams, while HUG-S is operating the tire-fitting service at the overnight ‘bivouac’ halts.