History 1980s

1986 Paris–Dakar Rally (France–Algeria–Niger–Mali–Senegal)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1986 Paris–Dakar Rally (France–Algeria–Niger–Mali–Senegal)

Date: January 1–22, 1986

Start Location: Versailles, France

Finish Location: Dakar, Senegal

Total Distance: ~15,000 km (with ~3,700 km competitive)

Surface: Gravel and sand

The 1986 Paris–Dakar Rally pushed competitors through some of the harshest terrain on Earth. Over 15,000 kilometers of deserts, savannah, and unmarked tracks demanded endurance and precision. René Metge and Dominique Lemoyne triumphed in Porsche’s all-wheel-drive 959, a technological marvel that married rally speed with survival engineering. The event was overshadowed by tragedy, however, with the deaths of racer Thierry Sabine and four others in a helicopter crash during the race—casting a somber tone over what became one of the most iconic Dakar victories in history.

Route

France: Departed from Versailles with ceremonial stages before transit to Africa.
Algeria: Vast dune fields, rocky plateaus, and searing desert heat tested both navigation and mechanical limits.
Niger & Mali: Remote, empty expanses with soft sand, mirages, and frequent navigation traps.
Senegal: Final stages toward the Atlantic coast featured compact sand and flood plains near Dakar.

The rally’s trans-African path passed through five countries:

The Sahara dominated the middle of the rally, with competitors facing not only natural threats but also fatigue, mechanical failure, and isolation over long liaison sections.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
—
2nd Place
Jacky Ickx & Claude Brasseur · Porsche 959
3rd Place
Patrick Zaniroli & Jean Da Silva · Mitsubishi Pajero

Metge’s win marked his third Dakar triumph and gave Porsche its only overall victory in the event, showcasing both the car’s groundbreaking technology and his own desert rally expertise.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Extreme Length: Over two weeks of racing across thousands of kilometers demanded unmatched endurance and reliability.
  • Navigation: Errors in compass headings or timing often meant hours lost—or complete disqualification.
  • Fatal Incident: On January 14, race founder Thierry Sabine and four others died in a helicopter crash, casting a shadow over the event's legacy.

The 1986 Paris–Dakar will be remembered both for Porsche’s historic win and the tragic loss of Thierry Sabine—a man who helped shape the event into a global phenomenon. His spirit of adventure continues to define the rally to this day.

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