The 2005 Dakar Rally was the 27th running of the Dakar Rally. It started in Barcelona, Spain, on December 31, 2004, and ended in Dakar, Senegal, on January 16, 2005. The rally was marred by the tragic deaths of two motorcycle competitors, Fabrizio Méoni and José Manuel Pérez, as well as two spectators.
The 2005 Dakar Rally officially began with a prologue stage in Barcelona, Spain, marking the start of the grueling 16-stage journey across Europe and Africa.
Spanish motorcycle rider José Manuel Pérez suffered a fatal crash during the 7th stage between Zouérat and Tichit in Mauritania. He died on January 10th from his injuries.
Two-time Dakar Rally winner Fabrizio Méoni of Italy was killed in a crash during the 11th stage between Atar and Kiffa in Mauritania. His death prompted race organizers to cancel the following day's motorcycle stage.
Following the death of Fabrizio Méoni, organizers cancelled the 12th stage for motorcycles out of respect and to allow riders to grieve, though the car and truck categories continued.
Two spectators were killed and several others injured when they were hit by a competing vehicle during the 14th stage between Bamako, Mali, and Kayes, Senegal.
French rider Cyril Despres won the motorcycle category for KTM, marking his first overall victory in the Dakar Rally.
The 2005 Dakar Rally concluded in Dakar, Senegal. Stéphane Peterhansel won the car category for Mitsubishi, Cyril Despres won the motorcycle category for KTM, and Firdaus Kabirov won the truck category for Kamaz.
Stéphane Peterhansel secured his second consecutive Dakar Rally victory in the car category, driving a Mitsubishi Pajero.
