Sports/Motorsport/Dakar Rally • Curated by Admin Timeline.sg
The 1987 Paris-Dakar Rally was the 9th edition of the legendary desert rally raid. Starting from Versailles, France on December 20, 1986, and finishing in Dakar, Senegal on January 27, 1987, the rally covered approximately 13,000 km across France, Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Niger, Mali, and Senegal. Ari Vatanen won the car category in a Peugeot 205 T16 Grand Raid, while Cyril Neveu claimed his fifth motorcycle title. The rally was the first organized after the death of founder Thierry Sabine, with his father Gilbert Sabine taking over the organization.
Chronological Storyline (7 Milestones)
Dec 20, 1986 CE
Rally Start in Versailles
The 9th Paris-Dakar Rally began from the Palace of Versailles, with over 300 vehicles embarking on the grueling journey to Dakar. The start was particularly emotional as it was the first edition following the death of rally founder Thierry Sabine in a helicopter crash during the 1986 event.
A "Toyota Team Holland" for the 1987 Paris-Dakar race, here in Amsterdam. From left Peter Heumes, Bernie Hutchinson and Jim Vermeulen on Dec 11, 1986. The vehicle (behind) is based on a Toyota and has two engines.[1] By Bart Molendijk / Anefo - http://proxy.handle.net/10648/ad5a90fa-d0b4-102d-bcf8-003048976d84, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=72740650
Dec 23, 1986 CE
Crossing to Africa
Competitors crossed the Mediterranean Sea by ferry from southern France to Morocco, marking the transition from European liaison stages to the demanding African desert stages. The route through Morocco featured early technical challenges including rocky terrain and Atlas Mountain crossings.
A "Toyota Team Holland" for the 1987 Paris-Dakar race, here in Amsterdam. From left Peter Heumes, Bernie Hutchinson and Jim Vermeulen on Dec 11, 1986. The vehicle (behind) is based on a Toyota and has two engines.[1] By Bart Molendijk / Anefo - http://proxy.handle.net/10648/ad5a90fa-d0b4-102d-bcf8-003048976d84, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=72740650
Jan 6, 1987 CE
Hubert Auriol's Devastating Injury
French motorcycle competitor Hubert Auriol, who was leading the motorcycle classification, suffered a serious crash in the Algerian desert that resulted in a broken ankle. Despite his commanding position, Auriol was forced to withdraw from the rally, dramatically altering the motorcycle competition.
Hubert Auriol lors du photocall du festival automobile international 2012 By Thesupermat - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18756474
Jan 12, 1987 CE
Vatanen Dominates in Peugeot
Finnish driver Ari Vatanen, driving the Peugeot 205 T16 Grand Raid, established a commanding lead in the car category through the vast dunes of the Ténéré desert in Niger. Vatanen's consistent pace and the reliability of the Peugeot team gave him a significant advantage over rivals including teammate Jacky Ickx.
Finnish MEP and former rallye driver Ari Vatanen in Turku 2009. By Soppakanuuna - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6916159
Jan 18, 1987 CE
Neveu Secures Motorcycle Lead
Following Auriol's withdrawal, French rider Cyril Neveu capitalized on the opportunity to take the lead in the motorcycle category. Neveu, already a four-time winner, navigated the challenging stages through Mali with precision and consistency, positioning himself for a record fifth Dakar motorcycle title.
Cyril Neveu au Mans en 2018 By Eric HOUDAS - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=70756613
Jan 25, 1987 CE
Final Stages Through Senegal
The rally entered its final stages as competitors crossed from Mali into Senegal, facing the last competitive sections before reaching the capital city of Dakar. The remaining competitors battled fatigue, mechanical wear, and the relentless African terrain in the closing kilometers of the 13,000-kilometer event.
A "Toyota Team Holland" for the 1987 Paris-Dakar race, here in Amsterdam. From left Peter Heumes, Bernie Hutchinson and Jim Vermeulen on Dec 11, 1986. The vehicle (behind) is based on a Toyota and has two engines.[1] By Bart Molendijk / Anefo - http://proxy.handle.net/10648/ad5a90fa-d0b4-102d-bcf8-003048976d84, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=72740650
Jan 27, 1987 CE
Finish in Dakar
Ari Vatanen crossed the finish line in Dakar to claim his second consecutive Paris-Dakar Rally victory in the car category driving a Peugeot 205 T16 Grand Raid. Cyril Neveu won the motorcycle category, securing his fifth Dakar title. The 1987 edition marked a successful continuation of the rally under new organizer Gilbert Sabine, honoring the legacy of his son Thierry Sabine.
A "Toyota Team Holland" for the 1987 Paris-Dakar race, here in Amsterdam. From left Peter Heumes, Bernie Hutchinson and Jim Vermeulen on Dec 11, 1986. The vehicle (behind) is based on a Toyota and has two engines.[1] By Bart Molendijk / Anefo - http://proxy.handle.net/10648/ad5a90fa-d0b4-102d-bcf8-003048976d84, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=72740650
![A "Toyota Team Holland" for the 1987 Paris-Dakar race, here in Amsterdam. From left Peter Heumes, Bernie Hutchinson and Jim Vermeulen on Dec 11, 1986. The vehicle (behind) is based on a Toyota and has two engines.[1]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/06/Presentatie_team_Parijs-Dakar_%28Amsterdam%29_v.l.n.r._Peter_Heumes_%2C_Bernie_Hutchi%2C_Bestanddeelnr_933-8387.jpg/500px-Presentatie_team_Parijs-Dakar_%28Amsterdam%29_v.l.n.r._Peter_Heumes_%2C_Bernie_Hutchi%2C_Bestanddeelnr_933-8387.jpg)
