[Racer Duck]

Motorsport.com: News channel

Planning the 2008 Dakar began, rather appropriately, with a challenge; that of mapping out the route. The stages we have in mind will give competitors a path across Africa that is just as diverse but with even more of a sporty edge. This year's planned itinerary includes longer specials than in prior years; the meter was blocked at 4,300 km in 2007 due to some changes, but exceeded 4,800 km for the timed segments in 2006. Next January, competitors will embark on an almost 6,000 km road and off-road adventure. As a result, the road sections will be shorter.

Portugal - A familiar air
STAGE 1 - 05/01/2008
Lisboa > Portimão
Connection: 104 km | Special: 120 km | Connection: 262 km
Total: 486 km

STAGE 2 - 06/01/2008
Portimão > Malaga
Connection: 15 km | Special: 60 km | Connection: 460 km
Total: 535 km

Morocco - Gateway to Africa
STAGE 3 - 07/01/2008
Nador > Er Rachidia
Connection: 182 km | Special: 372 km | Connection: 163 km
Total: 717 km

STAGE 4 - 08/01/2008
Er Rachidia > Ouarzazate
Connection: 29 km | Special: 356 km | Connection: 199 km
Total : 584 km

STAGE 5 - 09/01/2008
Ouarzazate > Guelmim
Connection: 188 km | Special: 498 km | Connection: 148 km
Total : 834 km

STAGE 6 - 10/01/2008
Guelmim > Smara
Connection: 66 km | Special: 454 km | Connection: 105 km
Total : 625 km

Mauritania - Full-on in the desert
STAGE 7 - 11/01/2008
Smara > Atâr
Connection: 198 km | Special: 619 km | Connection: 12 km
Total: 829 km

STAGE 8 - 12/01/2008
Atâr > Nouakchott
Connection: 44 km | Special: 450 km | Connection: 37 km
Total: 531 km

STAGE 9 - 14/01/2008
Nouakchott > Nouhadibou
Connection: 37 km | Special: 525 km | Connection: 86 km
Total: 648 km

STAGE 10 - 15/01/2008
Nouhadibou > Atâr
Connection: 111 km | Special: 552 km | Connection: 22 km
Total: 685 km

STAGE 11 - 16/01/2008
Atâr > Tidjikja
Connection: 35 km | Special: 524 km | Connection: 133 km
Total: 692 km

STAGE 12 - 17/01/2008
Tidjikja > Kiffa
Connection: 131 km | Special: 398 km | Connection: 2 km
Total: 531 km

STAGE 13 - 18/01/2008
Kiffa > Kiffa
Connection: 25 km | Special: 484 km | Connection: 6 km
Total: 515 km

STAGE 14 - 19/01/2008
Kiffa > Saint-Louis
Connection: 326 km | Special: 301 km | Connection: 130 km
Total: 757 km

Senegal - Crossing the line
STAGE 15 - 20/01/2008
Saint-Louis > Dakar
Connection: 239 km | Special: 23 km | Connection: 42 km
Total: 304 km