The 2013 Dakar Rally was the 34th edition of the event, held from January 5 to January 19, 2013. Starting in Lima, Peru, and ending in Santiago, Chile, the rally covered approximately 8,500 kilometers through Peru, Chile, and Argentina. Stéphane Peterhansel claimed his 11th Dakar victory in the car category driving a Mini, while Cyril Despres secured his 5th motorcycle title aboard a KTM. The event was marred by the death of French motorcyclist Thomas Bourgin during a liaison section on January 11.
The 2013 Dakar Rally began in Lima, Peru, marking the first time the event started from the Peruvian capital. Competitors embarked on Stage 1 from Lima to Pisco, with the route covering approximately 8,500 kilometers across three countries.
Stages 2 and 3 saw competitors navigate through the challenging Peruvian desert from Pisco to Nazca and then to Arequipa. The deep dunes of the Peruvian coast tested both drivers and navigators, with several top contenders experiencing mechanical difficulties and navigation errors.
The rally crossed the border from Peru into Chile during Stage 5, with the route taking competitors from Arica to Calama. The Atacama Desert stages began to separate the leaders from the rest of the field in all categories.
French motorcyclist Thomas Bourgin, aged 25, was killed during a liaison section to the start of Stage 7 near Calama, Chile, when his motorcycle collided with a Chilean police vehicle. He became the 23rd competitor to die in the history of the Dakar Rally.
Competitors observed a rest day in Calama, Chile, following the tragic death of Thomas Bourgin. The pause allowed teams to repair vehicles and prepare for the second week of competition through the demanding Atacama Desert and into Argentina.
The rally entered Argentina during the second week, with stages running through the provinces of Salta, Tucumán, and Córdoba. Cyril Despres consolidated his lead in the motorcycle category while Stéphane Peterhansel maintained his advantage in the car classification through consistent stage performances.
Stage 13 saw competitors race toward the Pacific coast of Chile, with the final podium positions being decided across all categories. Stéphane Peterhansel extended his lead in cars, while Marcos Patronelli dominated the quad category aboard his Yamaha.
The 2013 Dakar Rally concluded in Santiago, Chile, with Stéphane Peterhansel winning the car category in a Mini for his 11th Dakar victory. Cyril Despres claimed his 5th motorcycle title on a KTM, Marcos Patronelli won the quad category on a Yamaha, and Eduard Nikolaev took truck honors for Kamaz.