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A week after securing the World Rally-Raid Championship in the Challenger class, Rokas Baciuška returned to Lithuania with an interesting rumor he heard about the 2025 Dakar Rally:
“It’s interesting to see what will happen because I’ve heard that it might not take place due to the war, but these are just rumors. I believe the organizers will do everything to make it happen.”
Baciuška’s comments, shared after his arrival at Vilnius Airport on Tuesday, caused a stir in the Lithuanian rally raid community. Delfi, a Baltic news outlet, spoke to his fellow compatriots to get their reactions. Generally, those approached were surprised but doubtful.
“This is the first time I’ve heard such a rumor, and I haven’t seen any evidence of it,” said Vaidotas Žala, who plans to participate in the 2025 race in a truck. “There are probably rumors like this every year, but I have no official information on this. Our plans remain the same unless we hear something official. Since I have not heard anything, I see no reason to consider such a scenario.”
The Dakar Rally currently takes place in Saudi Arabia, a relatively stable country unlikely to face war or security concerns that plagued its original route through Africa. However, conflict in the Middle East has escalated since October 2023 with the war between Israel and Hamas. The Jordan Baja was canceled in 2023 due to its proximity to conflict areas.
Elsewhere in the region, Yemen is in a civil war, which has affected travel to rallies in the area. The 2024 Dakar implemented a ban on national flags on vehicles, possibly to protect competitors from being targeted based on nationality.
“In today’s world, I wouldn’t be surprised by many things. But at this moment, there’s no official information,” said Benediktas Vanagas. “However, it’s clear that the Middle East is under great tension. Saudi Arabia seems relatively safe, but who knows what the future holds?”
Despite uncertainties, the 2025 Dakar Rally is scheduled to proceed as planned on 3–17 January.
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