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Course in Vehicle Preparation for Dakar

Online 300-hour course in vehicle preparation for Dakar. 6 modules covering FIA Sporting Code Appendix J (Article 285, T2 vehicles), FIA Sporting Code Appendix J (Article 286, T1 prototypes) and SolidWorks. Personal tutor assigned and enrolment open.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

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Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Analyse the technical requirements of a rally raid event.

02

Design chassis, structure and protections in accordance with the regulations.

03

Prepare suspension, steering and brakes for long stages.

04

Optimise engine, transmission and cooling for sand and heat.

05

Integrate the electrical system, navigation and communications.

06

Plan testing, spare parts and in-race assistance.

07

Develop a vehicle preparation plan as a final project.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Rally raid engineer looking to specialise in Vehicle Preparation for Dakar.
  • Competition chief mechanic looking to specialise in Vehicle Preparation for Dakar.
  • Off-road vehicle preparer looking to specialise in Vehicle Preparation for Dakar.
  • Competition data engineer looking to specialise in Vehicle Preparation for Dakar.
  • Team logistics manager looking to specialise in Vehicle Preparation for Dakar.
  • Chassis and suspension designer looking to specialise in Vehicle Preparation for Dakar.
  • Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter rally raid motorsport.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • FIA Sporting Code Appendix J (Article 285, T2 vehicles)
  • FIA Sporting Code Appendix J (Article 286, T1 prototypes)
  • FIA Sporting Code Appendix J (Article 283, cross-country safety)
  • Rally Dakar Regulations (ASO)
  • FIA 8862-2009 (competition seats)
  • FIA 8853-2016 (safety harnesses)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Long stages and variable terrain
  2. 1.2Temperature, dust and altitude
  3. 1.3Required range between service points
  4. 1.4Categories and typical vehicles
  5. 1.5Reliability versus performance
  6. 1.6Realistic preparation timelines
  7. 1.7Budget and priorities
  8. 1.8Regulations applicable to the vehicle
  9. 1.9Prior experience and learning
  10. 1.10Workshop: vehicle requirements specification
  1. 2.1Roll cage and reinforcements
  2. 2.2Chassis stiffness and fatigue
  3. 2.3Underbody and sump guards
  4. 2.4Protection of tanks and lines
  5. 2.5Seat and harness mountings
  6. 2.6Lifting and recovery points
  7. 2.7Welding and joint control
  8. 2.8Inspection after each stage
  9. 2.9Planned field repairs
  10. 2.10Practice: reinforcement and protection plan
  1. 3.1Travel and geometry
  2. 3.2Dampers and their cooling
  3. 3.3Springs and settings by load
  4. 3.4Bump stops and limiters
  5. 3.5Reinforced steering and assistance
  6. 3.6Brakes: thermal capacity and ducting
  7. 3.7Bearings and driveshafts
  8. 3.8Set-ups for fast stages and dunes
  9. 3.9Planned wear spare parts
  10. 3.10Practice: vehicle set-up sheet
  1. 4.1Reliability versus power
  2. 4.2Air filtration in dusty environments
  3. 4.3Engine and oil cooling
  4. 4.4Fuel: quality and filtration
  5. 4.5Range and additional tanks
  6. 4.6Transmission, differentials and locks
  7. 4.7Transmission cooling
  8. 4.8Maintenance between stages
  9. 4.9Logging of temperatures and pressures
  10. 4.10Practice: reliability improvement plan
  1. 5.1Wiring harness and protection
  2. 5.2Batteries, alternator and loads
  3. 5.3Required navigation equipment
  4. 5.4Tracking and alarm systems
  5. 5.5Intercom and radio
  6. 5.6Additional lighting
  7. 5.7Sockets and backups
  8. 5.8In-route electrical diagnostics
  9. 5.9Wiring diagram documentation
  10. 5.10Practice: competition wiring diagram
  1. 6.1Test plan prior to the event
  2. 6.2Running-in kilometres and validation
  3. 6.3Spare parts list by stage
  4. 6.4On-board and support tools
  5. 6.5Crew training
  6. 6.6Weighing and weight distribution
  7. 6.7Technical scrutineering
  8. 6.8Common preparation mistakes
  9. 6.9Real cases and lessons learned
  10. 6.10Final project: vehicle preparation dossier
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and a dedicated technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, making it possible to combine study with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is SolidWorks, MoTeC i2, OptimumKinematics, ANSYS Mechanical, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for endurance trials on sand and stone sections, thermal validation of cooling, and spare parts and assistance planning. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.

Accredited laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor test rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-oriented Master's Thesis:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry mentoring:lecturers with experience in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:a safety-by-design approach, with cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as its core pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Test plan prior to the event

Analyse the technical requirements of a rally raid event.

Running-in kilometres and validation

Design chassis, structure and protections in accordance with the regulations.

Spare parts list by stage

Prepare suspension, steering and brakes for long stages.

On-board and support tools

Optimise engine, transmission and cooling for sand and heat.

Crew training

Integrate the electrical system, navigation and communications.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Rally raid engineerCompetition chief mechanicOff-road vehicle preparerCompetition data engineerTeam logistics managerChassis and suspension designer
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior degree is required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with full-time work.

The course uses SolidWorks, MoTeC i2, OptimumKinematics and ANSYS Mechanical. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

A SEIUM Institute diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area can be credited towards the advanced programme. Please check the credit recognition policy when you enrol.

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