The triptyque designed for the 2010 Dakar on the territories of Argentina and Chile promises to each kind of driver a sequence adapted to their qualities. The long stay in the Atacama Desert will be the climax of a 9000 kilometres loop through the continent. But the global balance of the course with varied difficulties force all to be consistent and careful to the end.

Argentina

With nearly 3500 kilometres between the Bolivian border and the extremities of the Land of Fire, Argentina is the size of a state-continent. Its expanse, both from north to south and east to west, gives the country several different facets. In terms of climate, relief or way of life, it is Argentina's variety which characterises the numerous regions which form it. While there are many different types of scenery, the Argentinean's love of motor sport is uniformly spread throughout the country. From Buenos Aires, where the competitors got a first taste of their passion, to Córdoba, where the aficionados of the traditional round of the WRC turned out in force, the rally's popularity remained constant.

Chile

Long and thin, Chile, whose limits are decided by the Pacific Ocean and the Andes chain of mountains, is in fact the longest country in the world. With 4300 kilometres of coastline from north to south (nearly 5400 kilometres of coast in total!) Chile has no rivals in this domain. On the other hand, its width never exceeds more than 349 kilometres and shrinks down to just fifteen or so kilometres in the south. Over such a huge length all types of climate are present, as well as many different types of relief.

From the Atacama Desert, reputed to be the driest in the world, to the mountains of the Andes, the riders and drivers of the Dakar experienced a rich diversity of landscapes.