How do Audi’s drivers not get lost during the epic Dakar Rally?

This year’s Dakar covers a total distance of 8,549km, of which 4,706km is timed, off-road. That’s like driving from London to South Africa. In two weeks. But where most people would just put their destination in a Sat Nav and follow the guidance – that’s not allowed in the Dakar. In fact, they don’t even know where they’re going until a few minutes before each stage. So there’s no prep and the only way to get there is to follow a complicated road book full of squiggles and numbers. So how do Audi Sport’s drivers get from the shores of the Red Sea, across the width of Saudi Arabia, to the finish line in Dammam on the Persian Gulf? It's all down to the person sat next to them.

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*This vehicle shown here is the Rally Dakar vehicle that is not available as a production model. Closed course, professional driver. Do not attempt. The Audi RS Q e-tron combines an electric drivetrain with an energy converter system comprising a TFSI engine and generator.