So is Dakar still a race?

[Offspring]

The South America Dakar time period was an anomaly, it's now back to more of what it used to be. Sorry Loeb.

 

[ISRengine]

Sebastien Loeb believes the navigational challenges posed to the crews in the 2021 Dakar Rally has taken the emphasis away from the drivers and made it a "race of co-drivers".

🎙I don't want to criticise the roadbook. This is more a question for the co-driver, but honestly it may be the different terrain, but compared to the race in South America, the navigation is much more aggressive this year. The truth is that as a driver I cannot make the difference. I do what I'm told to do. It's the race of co-drivers, not the race of drivers.

Loeb is not the only one to complain about this year navigational difficulties
Carlos Sainz: «This is becoming more of a gymkhana than a rally raid»

driver complaining about navigation issues

 

[Desert Dog]

This is a quote from a good friend of mine who sets out routes and writes road books:

"I have always been very aware of creating a situation where the rally becomes a treasure hunt; that is not what the sport is about".

 

[Chris_Wilson]

The African rally’s were more racing and less orienteering than today. Navigation was always a huge part but not like now.