History 1990s

1995 Granada–Dakar Rally (Spain–Morocco–Mauritania–Guinea–Senegal)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1995 Granada–Dakar Rally (Spain–Morocco–Mauritania–Guinea–Senegal)

Date: December 30, 1995 – January 14, 1996

Start Location: Granada, Spain

Finish Location: Dakar, Senegal

Total Distance: 7,579 km (total route), 6,179 km competitive stages

Surface: Mixed (gravel, sand, mud)

The 1995 Granada–Dakar Rally was a monumental event, with competitors taking on an incredibly tough route across Spain, Morocco, Mauritania, Guinea, and Senegal. Pierre Lartigue and Michel Périn emerged as the victors in their Citroën ZX Rallye Raid, mastering the varied terrain, from fast gravel sections to soft sand dunes. Their steady performance over the course of the 7,579 km route secured them the win in one of the most prestigious and demanding rally events in the world.

Route

Moroccan Desert: The rally began in Morocco with sandy dunes and high-speed gravel roads. It was a true test of navigation and tire management.
Mauritania’s Empty Quarter: The competitors faced deep sand dunes and harsh terrain, requiring expert navigation skills to avoid getting stuck.
Guinea: A treacherous section through mud, river crossings, and forest paths that demanded both durability and adaptability from the vehicles.
Senegal: The final stage took competitors across the hot and challenging terrain of Senegal, with a mix of fast gravel roads and softer tracks leading to the finish line in Dakar.

The rally’s route spanned across several challenging terrains, including rocky desert paths, sand dunes, and muddy tracks. Here’s a breakdown of key stages:

The varied conditions—from hot desert sands to muddy forest tracks—tested both the cars and drivers, requiring quick thinking and adaptability across long distances.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Pierre Lartigue & Michel Périn · Citroën ZX Rallye Raid
2nd Place
Stéphane Peterhansel & Jean-Paul Cottret · Peugeot 405 T16
3rd Place
Philippe Wambergue & Michel Perin · Mitsubishi Pajero

Lartigue’s consistency across the mixed terrains allowed him to take the lead, with Peterhansel and Wambergue following closely but unable to catch up. Their strategy of managing the vehicle’s reliability while maintaining steady speed in various conditions proved successful throughout the event.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Sandy Dunes: The long sections through desert sand required exceptional driving skills, especially during tire management and navigation.
  • Gravel Roads: Many gravel sections of the rally pushed the vehicles to their limits, testing suspension and brake durability.
  • River Crossings: The rally’s toughest section involved crossing rivers and muddy paths, requiring the drivers to avoid getting stuck and stay on the course.

The 1995 Granada–Dakar Rally was a grueling test of endurance, and Lartigue’s excellent strategy and calm navigation across diverse terrains made him the clear winner in one of the world’s most challenging motorsport events.

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