Preparations for the 2023 Dakar Rally - in pictures

  • This sculpted logo of the 2023 Dakar Rally, which will take place in Saudi Arabia from December 31 to January 15. All photos: AFP
    This sculpted logo of the 2023 Dakar Rally, which will take place in Saudi Arabia from December 31 to January 15. All photos: AFP
  • Competitors arrive on the eve of the technical check-up, in the bivouac near the Red Sea town of Ynabu
    Competitors arrive on the eve of the technical check-up, in the bivouac near the Red Sea town of Ynabu
  • A competitor works on his car
    A competitor works on his car
  • Audi's hybrid driver Stephane Peterhansel, centre, speaks with staff members on the eve of the technical check-up
    Audi's hybrid driver Stephane Peterhansel, centre, speaks with staff members on the eve of the technical check-up
  • A competitor checks equipment
    A competitor checks equipment
  • Audi's hybrid driver Peterhansel, right, speaks with Audi's hybrid Spanish driver Carlos Sainz during a technical check-up
    Audi's hybrid driver Peterhansel, right, speaks with Audi's hybrid Spanish driver Carlos Sainz during a technical check-up
  • An Audi in the technical check-up area
    An Audi in the technical check-up area
  • A mechanic checks a truck
    A mechanic checks a truck
  • A vehicle in the technical check-up area ahead of the 2023 Dakar Rally
    A vehicle in the technical check-up area ahead of the 2023 Dakar Rally
  • More than 550 competitors will race across varying terrain, including desert, canyons, dunes and mountains
    More than 550 competitors will race across varying terrain, including desert, canyons, dunes and mountains
  • The decorated front of a vehicle
    The decorated front of a vehicle
  • Competitors arrive ahead of the rally
    Competitors arrive ahead of the rally
  • This will be the fourth time Saudi Arabia has hosted the event
    This will be the fourth time Saudi Arabia has hosted the event