History 1980s

1987 Paris–Dakar Rally (France–Algeria–Niger–Mali–Senegal)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1987 Paris–Dakar Rally (France–Algeria–Niger–Mali–Senegal)

Date: January 1–22, 1987

Start Location: Paris, France

Finish Location: Dakar, Senegal

Total Distance: ~13,000 km (total route)

Surface: Gravel and sand

The 1987 Paris–Dakar marked a historic comeback for both Ari Vatanen and Peugeot. With rallying roots firmly planted in Group B, Vatanen piloted the formidable Peugeot 205 T16 Grand Raid through desert dunes, rocky plains, and savannah expanses in a brutal test of endurance and navigation. Overcoming setbacks and mechanical threats, he secured his first Dakar win and Peugeot’s maiden victory in the world’s toughest rally-raid event.

Route

France: Ceremonial start in Paris followed by transport to North Africa.
Algeria: Mountain passes and gravel highlands with increasing desert exposure.
Niger & Mali: Endless dune fields, navigation traps, and heat-exhausting liaisons through the Sahara.
Senegal: Faster gravel sectors leading to the final dash along the Atlantic coast to Dakar’s famous podium.

The route spanned five countries, crossing varied and unforgiving terrain:

Navigation challenges and limited support across the desert made mechanical preservation and co-driver accuracy as crucial as driving speed.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Ari Vatanen & Bernard Giroux · Peugeot 205 T16 Grand Raid
2nd Place
Shekhar Mehta & Yvonne Mehta · Nissan 240RS
3rd Place
Patrick Tambay & Dominique Lemoyne · Peugeot 205 T16 Grand Raid

Vatanen’s victory was a redemption arc—just one year after his career-threatening crash in Argentina, he returned with trademark aggression and the experience to survive Dakar’s endless obstacles.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Desert Navigation: Vast open terrain meant compass-based course corrections and pacenote improvisation were constant.
  • Fatigue and Isolation: Multiple days in remote wilderness with little outside communication—co-driver endurance was critical.
  • Mechanical Risk: Tire failures, drivetrain wear, and fuel logistics were ever-present threats across every stage.

The 1987 Paris–Dakar was a turning point—Group B power met desert adaptation, and Ari Vatanen etched his name into rally-raid legend in a defining performance for both man and machine.

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