Dakar 2009: The Dakar > The Values

The Dakar spirit is found at the crossroads of several passions. Beyond being an impossible to avoid and unique event in the motor racing world, it is also a unique human experience. The rally's history, the performance of some and the struggles of others, remind each of us that the Dakar is above all else a sentimental and emotional affair. The competitors are most attached to this dimension. This is what explains, for example, the survival of the idea of mutual aid within the caravan.

A world class sporting competition

More than a simple motor race, the Dakar requires off-road navigation capabilities and rock-solid consistency. In rally-raid, endurance is primordial; the least mistake can be costly. This mix of physical rigour and technical performance has been an attraction for champions from diverse horizons for nearly 30 years, all of whom desire to measure themselves and learn about this original event. Former WRC world champion, Ari Vatananen found the winning formula; Stéphane Peterhansel, who tried his hand at all sorts of exceptional challenges early in his career, became the uncontested expert of the event; world enduro champion, Cyril Despres has stepped onto the top step of the podium; world ski champion, Luc Alphand was a fast learner of the desert; American NASCAR stand out, Robby Gordon, the king of ice racing in another life, Yvan Muller, Carlos Sainz and now Carole Montillet or Guerlain Chicherit have also turned towards the ultimate goal: win the Dakar.

A human experience apart

Like the mountains or the oceans, wide-open spaces inspire "adventurers". Entering the Dakar is in some ways like climbing your own Everest, complete your sailing or rowing around the world trip. The finish podium represents an extraordinary challenge; sometimes it's a life's challenge.

Beyond the standings, all the competitors are motivated by this tenacious desire, this nearly insane dream. Whether they are motorcycle riders or drivers in cars or trucks, they share this ambition, a feeling that nears. The tradition of mutual-aid, the buzz word that is a pillar of the "Dakar spirit", born from this shared passion. No matter their origins, they all speak the same language.

An international nomad event

Born in Africa where its legend was created, the Dakar is by nature attracted towards the unknown. The discovery of territories, one of the event's reasons to be, now pushes the Dakar to head in new directions. The Sahara fascinated the competitors for nearly 30 years and in the future will, once again, become a regular meeting point. For now, it is the conquest of other continents that the Dakar seeks with the desire to surprise intact. The Dakar has always been an international nomad event. It is based on the need for exchange and on its competitors' capacity of openness. They all have the desire to explore the deserts of the world.