Dakar Rally alters Stage 7 route for safety due to expected rain

The Dakar Rally has changed the route for Stage 7 due to safety concerns. Rain is expected in the Al Duwadimi region, prompting a delay in the start and a shorter course. Competitors will now take separate routes for bikes and cars, unlike previous stages. The start will be delayed to allow safety helicopters to reach their positions. The new route includes a 188km road section to the starting point. The motorbike special will be 411km, while cars and trucks will race for 418km.