Ever since its creation in 1978, the Dakar has inspired dreams and passion. A now legendary race, the rally became a real social phenomenon from the very outset. Since then, nourished by the spirit of adventure and the enthusiasm of its courageous participants, the Dakar has remained loyal to its founding values: a unique sporting competition in the heart of Africa, experienced by all, amateurs and professionals alike, as an extraordinary human adventure.
A RENOWNED SPORTING COMPETITION
Born from the wild wager of one man, Thierry Sabine, the race rapidly took on a structure with its own specific regulations, creating a new discipline, the Rally Raid.
A rigorous and selective competiton, the Dakar has successfully attracted major motor sport names, such as Jacky Ickx, Ari Vatanen, Bruno Saby, René Metge, Stéphane Peterhansel, Jean-Louis Schlesser or Cyril Desprès, who have given the race its pedigree. The Dakar has also won over celebrities from sporting (Luc Alphand, Isabelle Patissier…) and showbiz worlds (Johnny Hallyday, Claude Brasseur…).
In their wake, champions have attracted automotive manufacturers of world renown (Porsche, Peugeot, Citroën, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, BMW, Toyota, DAF, MAN, Hino, Yamaha, Kagiva, KTM, Honda…). As with major events, the Dakar has also spawned its own champions, such as Roma or Masuoka, recognized today as the best drivers of their generation.
AN EXTRAORDINARY HUMAN ADVENTURE
Over and beyond the sporting verdict and the raw results provided by chronometers, all Dakar competitors, whether amateurs (80%) or professionals, share special, unforgettable moments and strong sensations which represent a common thread that bonds them for life.
Once the rally has ended, the trials and tribulations become just good memories and excellent reasons for returning the following year.
A MEETING IN THE HEART OF AFRICA
Passion is nourished by:
• the variety of the landscapes (snow-capped peaks, the dunes, the oases with their flowers and palm trees, the redlands, the spectacular crossings of rivers…),
• the welcome of local populations,
• the crossing of sites that have become legendary.
THE DAKAR IS THE SOLE MOTOR EVENT OF INTERNATIONAL STANDING WHICH
• Mixes cars, bikes, quads and trucks on a mass scale (on average some 400 vehicles in competition).
• Crosses through a continent, Africa (21 different African countries crossed in 27 editions).
• Finally the Dakar is the ony event which makes it possible to rub shoulders with motor sport stars such as Stéphane Peterhansel, Cyril Desprès, Colin Mcrae, etc).
