In Photos: Racers Take on Treacherous Peru at 41st Dakar Rally

The 41st edition of the Dakar rally will take place in Peru.

The Dakar Rally is the most dangerous race in the world.

(Photo Courtesy: Dakar)

The Dakar Rally, one of the most dangerous and gruelling races across the world, kicked off on 6 January 2019, with adrenaline junkies from across the world gathered in Peru, to push themselves and their vehicles to the limit as they look to conquer the treacherous tarmac.

The 41st edition of the rally will take place in Peru. This time around, the rally will not cross any country, it will be held in Peru only, ending on 17 January.

Since rally racing is considered the most extreme form of motorsports, the Dakar race is the most treacherous rally race in the world.

The Route

A bike racer takes on the dunes in Peru during the initial stages of the Dakar rally. 

Two bikers from different teams fight it out.

A rescue helicopter sits as a 4x4 is seen passing in the background.

Two 4x4’s take on a dune in the deserts of Peru.

A participant is clicked through his car window as he prepares to launch himself into the tarmac.

The sun sets over the desert of Pisco as an off road Mini driver passes by.

A Red Bull car struggles in the thick sand as a chopper flies by above.

A 4x4 taking on a gigantic dune.

Bike or Quadbike?

A car touches the ground, erupting sand from the impact.

Two cars battle it out soon after taking off from the starting line.

A biker goes airborne.

A quadbike races through the deserts.

A truck during the race, as a rescue helicopter looks on.

Sand erupts as a biker accelerates past his team.

Stage 2 saw less dust and more tarmac.

A biker zooms past the tough tarmac.

The visuals in every Dakar rally are generally breathtaking.

The front wheel of a bike pops as the rider tries to control through the sand.