All Stories DAKAR

Surprising news from Cyril Despres in Paris, France.

Red Bull-sponsored teams have claimed victory in the truck and bike categories during this year's Dakar Rally along with podium finishes.

Dakar 2013 has its share of glory and problems both for the teams who took on the challenge and the ASO organizers. Yet in the end the final podium at Santiago's Palacio de la Moneda was a day of celebration.

Peterhansel now has 11 Dakar wins! Despres earns another title to make it five in total. Patronelli takes his second championship. New to the legend status was Nikolaev.

Chaleco and Gordon at full pelt! On the penultimate stage in this year's Dakar, a show was put on by Francisco "Chaleco” Lopez on as he notched his 4th stage win. Robby Gordon grabbed his second special victory in his Hummer.

One Mini benefits from another's mistake while the Dutch Yamaha rider makes first 2013 appearance. Husseini breaks through in Quads while Russians manage Trucks 1-2-3.

Cyril Despres dominates for overall Bike lead, but Joan Barreda takes his 4th stage win. Orlando Terranova celebrated as first Argentinean to lead a Dakar stage in the Car classification!

Cyril tore through the pack on Stage Nine of the 2013 Dakar Rally to put himself in pole position to win the race.

An unequalled Despres, an unstoppable Peterhansel and an unfortunate Al-Attiyah made the headlines on the 9th stage in Dakar. Roma earned his 2nd stage victory and Nikolaev takes Truck lead.

Wet Argentinean stage ends early for Cars and officials delay final call. Barreda takes Bikes win in morning, though, while category leaders run astray.

449 racing machines were scheduled to start in this year’s edition of the Dakar! The route for the opening stage in Peru was an easy one taking them from Lima to Pisco.

Dakar 2013 teams, drivers, and riders are ready to take on the 8,500 kilometres of roads, tracks and dunes.

Team-by-team preview for the Pan-American challenge in Peru, Argentina and Chile. While the location has changed over the years, the 35th edition will continue the tradition of being extremely demanding on the drivers and their equipment.

The Waiting Park next to the Magdalena beach is filling up in preparation for the first day of scrutineering of this year's Dakar.

Following Marc Coma’s withdrawal from the Dakar 2013, Cyril Despres’ chances of winning the title a fifth time have certainly improved… but the competition for the French rider could be even stronger.

Honda steps into the fray as an official motorcycle manufacturer to take the fight to KTM

Eric Mauk

Mikko Jalonen, Dakar correspondent