FAQ
This page answers the most frequently asked questions about rally raids (Dakar, Dakar Classic, training, navigation, assistance, logistics, vehicles) and directs you to the essential pages of Compagnie Saharienne.
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Basics of rally raids
What is rally-raid?
Rally raids are endurance events that take place over several days on all-terrain courses (trails, desert, dunes) where navigation, pace management, and mechanical reliability are just as important as performance.
What are the major rally raid competitions?
The Dakar Rally is the most famous event. There are also other major international rally raids, such as the Rallye du Maroc (FIA Classic and Modern), the Africa Eco Race, the Morocco Desert Challenge (MDC), the Carta Rally, etc.
You can also come with us and race at Rallye du Maroc Classic or Rallye du Maroc FIA (World Championship).
Can you compete in rally raids without being a professional driver?
This is the very purpose of Compagnie Saharienne's service: to make this world accessible to you through comprehensive administrative, logistical, and financial support, as well as the most rigorous mechanical preparation.
Dakar Rally vs Dakar Classic
What is the difference between the Dakar Rally and the Dakar Classic?
The Dakar Rally (modern) is performance/speed-oriented with current categories. The Dakar Classic is dedicated to historic/compatible vehicles and places greater emphasis on consistency and navigation, while preserving the concepts of high-speed driving, with specific preparation and strategy requirements.
A professional team such as Compagnie Saharienne offers a complete customer experience, allowing participants to get used to the world of rally raids thanks to the Dakar Classic, before moving on to the Dakar Rally without apprehension; all with the same level of excellence and the most competitive vehicles on the market today (multiple stage and category winners on the Dakar).
Details: compagniesaharienne.com/dakar
What is the Dakar Classic Iconic Challenge?
The Iconic Challenge is a “specific” classification/format integrated into the Dakar Classic, designed to highlight the “iconic” spirit of the event (emblematic vehicles that actually participated in the Paris-Dakar, with chassis numbers to prove it).
🏆 In 2026, Compagnie Saharienne was the winner (HDJ 100 DKR) and came third (HZJ 78 DKR) in the Iconic Challenge, which brought together the 30 original chassis that took part in the race.
Budget & planning
What budget should you set aside for the Dakar Rally or the Dakar Classic?
There is no single figure for “How much does the Dakar cost?”, although at Compagnie Saharienne we strive to make the financial aspect as transparent as possible by listing the various costs of the adventure line by line.
As part of our “Arrive & Drive” packages, all our customers benefit from the same basic package, which is sufficient to compete in the Dakar Rally with full support, on-site assistance, a factory-style structure at the bivouac, a set of spare parts, private photographers, etc.
The additional options available mainly concern comfort: training races such as the Rallye du Maroc, motorhome, professional navigator, training camp, etc.
The budget also depends on the category (Classic or Modern) and the vehicle (Toyota Land Cruiser 78, Toyota Land Cruiser 100, Can-Am Maverick R FIA 2026).
How long does it take to prepare a project?
The Dakar projects span a year before the event, which takes place in January. This is the time needed for rigorous mechanical preparation, comprehensive project management, and smooth customer and team logistics.
Vehicles & preparation
Which vehicle should you choose to get started in rally raids (and finish the Dakar)?
The choice depends on the target category, regulations, and overall budget. Robust, widely available bases are often preferred for their reliability and parts availability (100% of our customers crossed the Dakar finish line on their first attempt).
In Classic, the Toyota Land Cruiser 78 and Land Cruiser 100 are perfect tools for leading the race while benefiting from unfailing robustness. The combined knowledge of the Japanese engineers behind their construction and the rally-raid experience of the Compagnie Saharienne team allow us to offer these mechanical gems to our customers.
In Rally, our program takes place behind the wheel of a Can-Am Maverick R, a production-based racing machine designed and prepared specifically in advance by our partner South Racing, winner of six Dakar rallies with these vehicles. An absolute benchmark, it is also the perfect gateway to modern rally-raids, both in terms of its ease of handling and its budget.
Do you offer ready-to-drive vehicles?
Yes, that's the very principle behind our Dakar and Morocco Rally ‘Arrive & Drive’ offer. We work year-round on our fleet of vehicles, which are designed, prepared, and maintained to the highest standards for the most demanding rally raids.
Our customers entrust us with the keys to their dream adventure, and at the wheel of our Toyota (Classic) or Can-Am Maverick (Dakar) vehicles, they enjoy the adventure as part of a professional and friendly team that grows year after year.
Navigation & training
How can you practice navigation in rally-raids?
By working on roadbook reading, heading management, anticipation, driver/co-driver coordination, and recalibration routines. The most effective approach: supervised terrain + method.
With this in mind, we co-created the Dakar Training Camp with our friend and partner Mathieu Baumel. The goal is very simple: to help you understand all the basics of rally raiding, behind the wheel of the vehicle you will be racing in, with exceptional coaches who are totally dedicated to your success.
Why do an race training in Morocco?
Because Morocco offers terrain very similar to the desert conditions in Saudi Arabia and allows for consecutive days of driving, navigation, and vehicle testing.
This is also the terrain chosen by the official Dakar teams: Dacia, Ford, Toyota Overdrive, South Racing, etc.
What is a co-pilot for, and how do you find one?
In rally raids, it is preferable to talk about the navigator.
Navigation, strategy, pace management, communication, and error routines. A structured navigator is a multiplier of performance and serenity.
At Compagnie Saharienne, we offer our clients the services of professional navigators with a high level of Dakar experience and a very good understanding of racing psychology. This is how, in 2026, a Compagnie Saharienne client who was completely new to rally raids and accompanied by an experienced navigator became the overall stage winner of the Dakar.
Support service & logistics
What does a support team do at a rally raid like the Dakar?
Preventive/corrective maintenance, parts and consumables management, camp organization, logistics, managing the pace of the race for clients, liaising with the organization on behalf of the crews, and ensuring a healthy pace (sleep, nutrition, recovery).
Above all, the Compagnie Saharienne team is a real substitute family for customers. We live close together for many weeks and live to ensure that our customers enjoy their dream.
Licenses, security, insurance (general information)
Do you need a license to participate in the Dakar Rally or the Rallye du Maroc?
Yes, you always need a license to participate in these two major events, but they differ depending on the category.
At Compagnie Saharienne, we also provide full support to our customers in this process, ensuring in advance that all their documents are valid and guiding them through the process as much as possible.