Since the Dakar Rally began in 1979, MINI has won it 5 times, adding a sixth overall title this year. While not matching Mitsubishi’s 12 wins, XRAID MINI JCW driver Stephane Peterhansel has the record of 14 wins in the event with his latest this week. His total of 14 wins over 30 years of participation in the event, includes winning 6 times on a motorcycle.
Consistency was the secret of success
The event this year was held in the deserts of Saudi Arabia with 12 stages that took the participants from Jeddah on January 2 in a clockwise route of 7,646 kms to finish in the same city 13 days later. Driving a XRAID MINI JCW Buggy, Peterhansel, with Edouard Boulanger, successfully defended the title won in 2020.
While Peterhansel was fastest only on one stage, his consistency in remaining among the top runners throughout the event showed kept him within sight of victory, finishing with a lead of 14 minutes 51 seconds.
“The pressure was immense since we were leading the overall standings for much of the race. You can only lose in that situation. But I have to say, we drove almost a perfect Dakar without any major errors and once again that was the key to success. Things were perfect between Edouard and me, and I was delighted to have him sat next to me. He couldn’t have done anything better,” the French driver said.
In addition to Peterhansel, a third MINI crew finished in the top 10. Vladimir Vasilyev and Dmitry Tsyro crossed the finish line in sixth place in a MINI JCW Rally. A total of eight MINI cars competed in Saudi Arabia this year, 6 of which reached the finish line.
Toyota finishes between two MINIs
The MINI was in close competition with Qatari driver, Nasser Al-Attiyah, who won 5 stages. However, difficulties with finding the route and a few punctures lost him a lot of time and by the finish, he could manage only second place with his Toyota Hilux.
Reigning champion Carlos Sainz (the father of the F1 driver) – who last year won the event – was unable to repeat the achievement as mechanical issues dogged him. Putting in a strong effort and winning the final stage got him third overall position, but his total time was an hour behind Peterhansel and Al-Attiyah.
