Press Release, 28 January 2026
Wialon, a global leader in fleet digitalization and IoT telematics, has successfully showcased the endurance and reliability of its platform during one of the toughest motorsport events on the planet the Dakar Rally 2026, held from January 3 to 17 across the deserts of Saudi Arabia. The company combined a real-time tracking mission for the Gurtam Toyota Gazoo Racing Baltics Team, led by Dakar driver Benediktas Vanagas, with its own “Wialon Dakar Challenge” for selected global partners.
Since GPS navigation is prohibited for competitors during the rally, Wialon’s technology was used to track and manage the team’s support vehicle that transported essential gear and parts across thousands of kilometers by road, sea, and sand. “Telematics became our digital lifeline in remote areas,” said Vanagas, emphasizing how the system enabled mission-critical decisions far from any assistance.
Inspired by this experience, Wialon invited 16 telematics professionals from 12 countries, forming four teams that took on a five-day off-road challenge along the official Dakar routes. Using Wialon’s real-time tracking and analytics, participants navigated using analog roadbooks, performed simulated vehicle recovery missions, and managed fleet logistics under extreme desert conditions. The system monitored location, speed, mileage, and checkpoint performance, showcasing its versatility in live fleet operations.
According to Aliaksandr Kuushynau, Head of Wialon, the Dakar environment offered the ultimate test of telematics reliability. “The brutal heat, endless dunes, and poor networks are the toughest proving ground and Wialon delivered flawless performance,” he said.
Beyond testing technology, the Wialon Dakar Challenge also strengthened its global partner community a network spanning 2,700+ companies and powering 4 million connected vehicles across 160+ countries. Developed by European software firm Gurtam, Wialon continues to set industry standards in fleet tracking, video telematics, and connected mobility solutions.
Compiled using AI
