Dec 28, 1997 CE
Rally Begins in Versailles
The 20th edition of the Paris-Dakar Rally begins in Versailles, France, with competitors embarking on a grueling journey toward the African continent.
Chronological Storyline (7 Milestones)
Jan 1, 1998 CE
Crossing the Mediterranean
Competitors take a ferry from Marseille, France, to Tunis, Tunisia, marking the official start of the African stages of the rally.
Jan 10, 1998 CE
Navigating the Tenere Desert
Rally participants face extreme navigation challenges and harsh conditions while crossing the Tenere desert in Niger, a notorious section of the Dakar Rally.
Jan 15, 1998 CE
Arrival in Senegal
The surviving competitors cross into Senegal, approaching the final stages of the rally with the finish line in Dakar drawing near.
Jan 18, 1998 CE
Loprais Wins Truck Category
Czech driver Karel Loprais wins the truck category driving a Tatra, adding another victory to his impressive record in the Dakar Rally.
By Richenza - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17250077
Jan 18, 1998 CE
Fontenay Wins Car Category
French driver Jean-Pierre Fontenay, driving a Mitsubishi Pajero, wins the car category of the 1998 Dakar Rally, securing his first victory in the prestigious event.
Jan 18, 1998 CE
Peterhansel Takes Bike Victory
Stéphane Peterhansel wins the motorcycle category on a Yamaha, marking his fifth victory in the Dakar Rally and further cementing his legendary status in the sport.
By Xraid - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7165561