The spirit of the Dakar can be summed up as a coming together of several passions. In addition to being an unmissable and extraordinary event in the world of motor sports, it is also a unique human experience. The history of the rally, the exploits of some and the mishaps of others are a reminder to each and everyone that the Dakar is first and foremost a matter of feeling and emotions. This aspect is what most competitors are particularly fond of. It explains, for example, the survival of the concept of solidarity amongst all those involved in the race.
More than just a simple question of racing and speed, the Dakar requires rough terrain navigational skills and consistency. In the rally-raid discipline, endurance is the watchword, with the slightest flaw proving costly. This mix of physical toughness and technical performance has attracted, for almost thirty years, champions from different horizons, all keen to measure themselves against each other and tame this event like no other. The former WRC world champion, Ari Vatanen, found the key to success; Stéphane Peterhansel, an outstanding jack of all trades at the start of his career, has become the incontestable expert on the event; Cyril Despres has climbed onto the highest step of the podium; world skiing champion Luc Alphand successfully completed his apprenticeship of the desert; Robby Gordon, the American Nascar champion, Carlos Sainz or even Guerlain Chicherit have also turned their focus towards an ultimate objective: winning the Dakar.
Like the mountains or the oceans, the wide open spaces inspire “the adventurers”. Enrolling for the Dakar is, in a certain way, like climbing Everest, sailing round the globe or rowing round the world. The places on the final podium represent an exceptional challenge, sometimes the challenge of a lifetime.
Apart from the standings, all the competitors are motivated by this resolute desire, an almost crazy dream. Whether bikers, car drivers or truckers, the competitors all share this ambition, a feeling that brings them together. The tradition of solidarity, a principle which is one of the pillars of the “Dakar Spirit”, stems from this shared passion: despite the linguistic barriers, on this level the competitors all speak the same language.
Founded in Africa, where it built up its legend, the Dakar is by nature attracted to the unknown. The discovery of regions, countries and continents, a rationale of the event, has pushed the Dakar to take a new direction. The Sahara fascinated competitors for almost thirty years, but now the Dakar is attempting to conquer other continents, with an unfailing will to surprise. Having become a nomadic international event, the Dakar draws on a thirst for interaction and the open-mindedness of its competitors, who all crave to explore the deserts of the world.
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