Over here in Spain we get a two hour preview, an hour and half each night and a two hour programme after with all the Spanish teams (all classes) present and many of them interviewed about it went for them all on the national TV sports channel. Obviously it's all in Spanish.
A couple of guys we have met who live in Aguilas run an 80 series in various Raids in Africa and run a Hilux in the national off-road championship but getting enough sponsorship to compete in the Dakar is a whole different ball-game. They are young enough and passionate about off-road raids, so, in time, they will probably get there.
This year for the first time, time excluded competitors were allowed to continue, although not in the general classification, because for most competitors just finishing the Dakar is a significant achievement and they were credited with their stage finishing positions.
Regards,
Rodger