As the highly anticipated Dakar Rally 2024 approaches, Saudi driver Dania Akeel is brimming with excitement, gearing up to tackle the challenge for the third time in her racing career. Scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia from January 5 to 19, the 45th edition of the Dakar Rally has become a focal point for Akeel's preparations and aspirations.
Akeel meticulously prepared for the Dakar Rally in Austria, partnering with Red Bull and the Athlete Performance Center. Eager and in peak physical condition, she is motivated for a positive outcome at this big event.
The Saudi driver, having previously driven a T3 car, made a notable switch to a new car for the upcoming edition. Explaining the shift, she detailed her transition to a car equipped with a sequential gearbox, a significant skill set required for the larger classes like T1. Akeel highlighted her recent successful testing of the new car at the Rally Du Maroc, emphasizing the engaging nature of constant gear shifting.
Akeel's visit to the Athlete Performance Center highlighted its personalized approach, treating each athlete uniquely. The center's program covers physical, mental, and social development, ensuring sustained peak performance over the long term.
Discussing the mental aspect of training, Akeel elaborated on exercises targeting reaction times, multitasking, spatial awareness, and overall cognitive stimulation. She emphasized the importance of being a perpetual student, fostering continuous personal growth through the acquisition of new skills and experiences.
The Athlete Performance Center, with its main facilities in Salzburg and Los Angeles and a global network, provides athletes with optimal training conditions. Akeel praised the center as a space for improvement, growth, and socialization, highlighting its role in broadening her skill set and enhancing her overall performance.
Akeel's trip to Austria and her training at the Athlete Performance Center exemplify the combination between an athlete's commitment and the steadfast support of organizations like Red Bull. Her story stands as motivation for prospective athletes by demonstrating that incredible accomplishments are achievable with the correct assistance and a dedication to greatness.
Recalling her previous Dakar Rally performances, Akeel secured an eighth-place finish in her class in the 2022 race and claimed the 28th position in the T3 group in 2023. As she embarks on the 2024 Dakar Rally, Akeel's story promises an exciting future in motorsports.
The 2024 Dakar Rally, spanning 14 stages through the Saudi Arabian desert, introduces a novel element with a 48-hour, 584 km "Chrono Stage," dividing competitors across eight different bivouacs overnight.
