The 2024 edition of the Dakar Rally kicked into gear on January 5 , with the usual suspects from across the moto world lining up to take on the toughest race in the world . Once again , the Dakar is hosted by Saudi Arabia with the nations deserts a fitting challenge for all who dare cross them , regardless of whether they are aboard two wheels or more . Entering the 2024 Dakar , the KTM Factory Racing Team was down a man with Mattias Walkner forced to sit out this year due to suffering a leg injury in training ahead of the event . Flying the KTM flag are Australian Toby Price and Argentine Kevin Benavides , both former champions will be aiming for another stellar result with just 43 seconds separating them in last year ’ s Rally . Honda has once again brought its considerable might to contend the Dakar where the Japanese brand looks to take the podium glory out from KTM once again . Entering the rally with a six man team , Honda ’ s riders are looking like the team to beat at the time of writing at the end of stage 4 . After a positive start with Tosha Schareina claiming victory in the Prologue , the young Spaniard crashed out in the difficult rocky sections of stage 1 . The stage was eventually