A contingent of more than 130 cars will be vying for the crown in their respective categories as this year's edition of the Dakar rally gets underway on January 7.

The Lima desert is the starting point as drivers competing in bike, quad, car, SXS and truck categories prepare to do battle on the gruelling terrain.

Vying for the crown

Some of the favourites include some veterans such as 13-time Dakar champion Stéphane Peterhansel, World RallyX and WRC veteran Sebastian Loeb and 2-time champion Carlos Sainz.

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Strategy and speed is imperative here while avoiding any sort of serious mechanical breakage will go far in determining who comes out on top on 17 January.

South Africa has a number of representatives across the categories with Kenny Gilbert, Ross Branch, Stuart Gregory and 2009 winner Giniel de Villiers flying the flag.

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