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Saudi Dakar Rally 2024 to Start in AlUla on Friday

The rally will run until January 19, featuring 434 vehicles across multiple race categories and covering a distance of over 7,800 km. (SPA)
The rally will run until January 19, featuring 434 vehicles across multiple race categories and covering a distance of over 7,800 km. (SPA)
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Saudi Dakar Rally 2024 to Start in AlUla on Friday

The rally will run until January 19, featuring 434 vehicles across multiple race categories and covering a distance of over 7,800 km. (SPA)
The rally will run until January 19, featuring 434 vehicles across multiple race categories and covering a distance of over 7,800 km. (SPA)

The AlUla Governorate will host the fifth edition of the Saudi Dakar Rally 2024 (46th Dakar Rally) that will kick off on Friday.

The rally will run until January 19, featuring 434 vehicles across multiple race categories and covering a distance of over 7,800 km.

The 46th Dakar Rally introduces new routes that traverse diverse terrains, enabling participants to explore the landscapes and archaeological sites of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Competitors will encounter new challenges that heighten the suspense and excitement of the event.

Commenting on the event, Minister of Sports and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal stated: "As we enter the new year of 2024, the Kingdom continues to host major global sporting events, thanks to the unwavering support provided by our esteemed leadership, particularly Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.”

“The fifth edition of the Dakar Rally will span 15 days, featuring 778 individuals representing 72 countries and showcasing 434 diverse vehicles across multiple race categories,” he added.

The rally route comprises 12 stages and one preliminary stage. Throughout the competition, drivers will be tested to their limits, both physically and mentally, as they navigate the challenging terrain of the Kingdom's desert. The race pushes participants to endure the most demanding experiences in the world of motorsports, showcasing their resilience and determination.

This year, drivers will kick off their journey with a preliminary stage at the starting camp in AlUla. They will then embark on a thrilling adventure that traverses various cities of the Kingdom, including Al-Hanakiyah, Al-Dawadmi, Al-Salamiya, Al-Hofuf, Shubaytah, Riyadh, Hail, and Yanbu.

As one of the longest-standing races in motorsports, the Dakar Rally has earned its reputation for its scale and magnitude of events. The race is organized by the Amaury Sport Organization (ASO) in partnership with the Saudi Motorsport Company with close coordination from relevant local authorities.

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New Australian Open Coaching ‘Pods’ Get Mixed Reaction

Casper Ruud of Norway speaks to his coaching staff during an Australian Open tennis tournament round 1 match against Jaume Munar of Spain at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, 12 January 2025. (EPA)
Casper Ruud of Norway speaks to his coaching staff during an Australian Open tennis tournament round 1 match against Jaume Munar of Spain at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, 12 January 2025. (EPA)
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New Australian Open Coaching ‘Pods’ Get Mixed Reaction

Casper Ruud of Norway speaks to his coaching staff during an Australian Open tennis tournament round 1 match against Jaume Munar of Spain at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, 12 January 2025. (EPA)
Casper Ruud of Norway speaks to his coaching staff during an Australian Open tennis tournament round 1 match against Jaume Munar of Spain at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, 12 January 2025. (EPA)

The Australian Open has introduced court-side "coaching pods" at this year's tournament in a Grand Slam first, but they have met with a mixed reaction.

The pods are positioned in two corners on each of the major courts with up to four people allowed, similar to the set-up at team events like the Davis Cup and United Cup.

They have access to real-time data on screens for statistical analysis, with coaches having the option to perch there or in their usual place in the traditional player box, where friends and family can also sit.

It follows the International Tennis Federation in October relaxing its rules, allowing coaches to communicate with players during matches as long as it is "brief" and "discreet".

Australian Open chief Craig Tiley admitted that "some coaches were a bit skeptical at first" of the pods.

"But then they sat down and said: 'This is great'," he told the Melbourne Age newspaper.

"When they (players) come and get their towel, you can talk to them, so you're almost, in effect, able to coach your player after each point, if you want to."

But not all players are convinced about the benefits.

"Honestly, it's not like I'm a big fan of that decision. Or if you do that, then make more seats," said world number one and defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka.

"For example, me personally, I like to see the whole team. I want to see the whole people in my box.

"I don't know, sometimes I just want to look at my boyfriend for the support. I just didn't want to, like, look at the coach first, then look in the box."

Greek star Stephanos Tsitsipas has long been an advocate for coaching to be permitted during matches, but said he was taken aback when he first saw the pods.

"I actually laughed when I saw them," he said.

"I don't know, it's kind of weird. I see my coaches and some other team members in that particular box, and the rest of them are upstairs, which I'm not used to.

"I guess I will acclimatize at some point."

But 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic, who is gunning for an 11th Australian Open title, is a fan with his new coach Andy Murray planning to use them.

"I think it's great that the Australian Open introduced the coaching box on the court at the same level in the corner," said the Serb.

"I think it's great. That's where Andy and the coaching staff will sit."