The 2007 Dakar Rally was the 29th running of the Dakar Rally. It started in Lisbon, Portugal, on January 6, 2007, and ended in Dakar, Senegal, on January 21, 2007. The event was marred by the death of South African motorcyclist Elmer Symons.
The 2007 Dakar Rally began with a ceremonial start in Lisbon, Portugal, marking the beginning of the 29th edition of the race.
South African motorcyclist Elmer Symons died following a crash during the fourth stage of the rally between Er Rachidia and Ouarzazate in Morocco.
Competitors observed the traditional rest day in Atar, Mauritania, with Giniel de Villiers leading the car category and Cyril Despres leading the bike category at the halfway point.
Stéphane Peterhansel took the overall lead in the car category after Giniel de Villiers suffered mechanical issues and a subsequent accident during stage 14 between Kayes and Tambacounda.
French rider Cyril Despres secured a commanding lead in the motorcycle category after winning stage 15, putting him in a strong position to claim the overall victory.
The 2007 Dakar Rally concluded in Dakar, Senegal, with Stéphane Peterhansel winning the car category, Cyril Despres winning the motorcycle category, and Vladimir Chagin winning the truck category for his sixth time.