Dec 28, 2001 CE
Rally Start in Arras
The 24th Dakar Rally began in Arras, northern France, with competitors embarking on a journey that would cover over 8,500 kilometers across two continents before reaching Dakar, Senegal.
Chronological Storyline (8 Milestones)
Dec 31, 2001 CE
European Stages and Crossing to Africa
Competitors completed stages through France and Spain, with the route passing through Narbonne and Madrid before the traditional ferry crossing from Algeciras, Spain, to Tangier, Morocco, marking the transition from European to African stages.
Jan 1, 2002 CE
First African Stage in Morocco
The first African stage began in Morocco, with competitors facing challenging terrain through the Atlas Mountains and Moroccan desert, beginning the grueling African portion of the rally.
Jan 5, 2002 CE
Mauritanian Desert Stages
The rally entered Mauritania, where competitors faced some of the most demanding dune stages of the event, including long specials through the Sahara with navigation proving critical in the vast, featureless landscapes.
Jan 8, 2002 CE
Mali Stages and Key Battles
The route progressed through Mali, with Hiroshi Masuoka in his Mitsubishi Pajero and Fabrizio Meoni on his KTM motorcycle establishing commanding leads in their respective categories as the rally approached its final stages.
Jan 11, 2002 CE
Final Stages Approaching Senegal
Competitors crossed from Mali into Senegal for the final stages, with the leaders maintaining their advantages as the rally neared its conclusion in the Senegalese capital.
Jan 13, 2002 CE
Finish in Dakar and Final Classification
The 2002 Dakar Rally concluded in Dakar, Senegal. Japan's Hiroshi Masuoka won the car category in a Mitsubishi Pajero, Italy's Fabrizio Meoni won the motorcycle category on a KTM, and Russia's Vladimir Tchaguine won the truck category driving a Kamaz.
Jan 13, 2002 CE
Hiroshi Masuoka's Maiden Dakar Victory
Hiroshi Masuoka secured his first Dakar Rally victory in the car category, driving a Mitsubishi Pajero, marking a significant milestone for Japanese motorsport and establishing Mitsubishi's continued dominance in the event.