20 Jan 2013

Peterhansel clinches record Daka triumph

11:45 am on 20 January 2013

Stephane Peterhansel has claimed a record fifth Dakar Rally drivers title, and 11th overall of his career, while French compatriot Cyril Despres captured a fifth motorcycling crown.

Peterhansel, the champion on four wheels in 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2012, as well as being a motorcycle winner on six other occasions, beat Ari Vatanen's 25-year-old record of four auto titles on the gruelling endurance event.

Spain's Nani Roma claimed the event's last stage, and his fourth in 2013, as the 8,000-kilometre race ended with a 150 kilometres timed run into Santiago.

Peterhansel, taking part in his 25th Dakar, eased through the final stage to take overall victory by 42 minutes and 22 seconds over South Africa's Giniel de Villiers in a Toyota.

Despres, riding a KTM, added the 2013 title to his wins in 2005, 2007, 2010 and 2012 ahead of Portugal's Ruben Faria, who was 10 minutes and 43 seconds off his team-mate's pace.