NISSAN MOTORSPORTS | DAKAR 2004 : Regulation

Amongst cross-country rally events regulated by the FIA, the Dakar Rally is classified as a marathon cross-country rally that traverses numerous countries and regions and its race regulations are essentially governed by those regulations. There have been no conspicuous changes announced for the 2004 Marathon World Cup, but in the motorcycle category the top 3 riders in the special stage now have the right to choose the starting order for the following day.
The competition takes place on a secret course (pre-race course entry prohibited) and consists of a special stage (SS), which is a speed race, and a liaison section (the transit route between each special stage) which must be covered in a prescribed time. The ranking is made on the basis of the participant with the shortest overall time after penalty times incurred during the special stage have been aggregated. Naturally, the results of that day decide the special stage order, the accumulated results up to that day determine the overall order and the next day's special stage starts in order from the top positions of the previous day's special stage. A marathon cross-country rally is set as a minimum distance of 6500 km with 4000 km of special stages. The Dakar Rally is usually held over a 15 to 20 day period with a rest day during the event. All stages combined cover approximately 10,000 km making it the top event in its category.

The production class is equivalent to the FIA Group T1 and the cars require Group T vehicle homologation. Restrictions on scope of modifications are broadly similar to Group N. The super-production Class is made up of the current T2 FIA groups and all buggy, score US or Protruck type cars with no homologation required. This class is now closer to the former prototype class as original external appearance does not need to be maintained and pipe-frame construction is also permitted. However, there are restrictions respectively for engine air restrictors and minimum weight for each capacity class as well as for suspension stroke. Efforts have been made to adjust two-wheel-drive performance by easing restrictions on minimum weight and allowing unlimited suspension stroke. With the exception of the two-wheel-drive class, for the upcoming Dakar Rally 2004 any on-board CTIS (Central Tire Inflation System) that adjusts tire pressure will be banned.
Regulations unique to the Dakar Rally are the mandatory fuel tank capacity that guarantees a range of 800km (plus a recommended safety margin of 10%) and the carrying of a distress beacon and survival kit.

Trucks are defined as vehicles with a total weight of 3.5 tons or greater. The scope of allowable modifications is similar to Group N but there is an upper tire size limit (14:00/20) and there are dimensional requirements for the truck bed that include height from the main sill and position of the forward tray cabin protection assembly. Each of these requires separate FIA authorization. Air restrictors are not required to be fitted.
The motorcycle category has two groups: production bikes that are close to those for general sale and super-production bikes that are modified production bikes. These are further sub-divided into 3 classes according to engine size. There is one class each for Quads (ATVs) and side-cars respectively regardless of engine size. In the motorcycle category, restrictors will be required on all models of 450cc or greater (for models produced after Jan. 2001) in both production and super-production groups with the aim of limiting the speed of large bikes.