Spectator killed during Stage 7 of Dakar Rally
Dakar Rally organisers have confirmed the death of a 63-year-old spectator during Saturday’s seventh stage of the 2016 event between Uyuni, Bolivia to Salta, Argentina.


The accident occurred at kilometre 82 of the special stage, and involved the Mitsubishi Lancer of French driver Lionel Baud. Reports suggest that the spectator was killed instantly.
A statement from event organisers said that Baud’s car “hit a 63-year-old man who was isolated on the race course.
"Once at the [accident] site, the medical service of the organisation unfortunately could only note the death of the injured person.
"Alerted by the organisation, the Bolivian authorities represented by the prosecution, went to the site by helicopter of the organisation in order to determine the circumstances of the accident."
Baud, 48, had been running in 52nd position overall.
It was the first recorded death on this year’s event, and is the first fatality involving a spectator since 2013, when a support vehicle crashed with two taxis in Peru, killing two onlookers.
Spectators were injured on the prologue stage ahead of this year's event, leaving one in a critical condition after being hit by the Mini of Chinese driver Guo Meiling.

Dakar Bikes, Stage 7: Goncalves pulls away as Meo gets first win
Dakar Quads, Stage 7: Bonetto scores first win for Honda, Patronellis maintain 1-2

Latest news
Dakar Rally announces longer 14-stage route for 2023
The ASO has revealed the first details of the 2023 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, increasing the length of the route to 14 stages in response to calls from competitors.
Ex-Yamaha rider van Beveren joins Honda for Dakar 2023
Adrien van Beveren will contest the 2023 edition of the Dakar Rally with Honda following the end of Yamaha's factory rally-raid programme.
Former Dakar Rally service truck lives new life as RV rental
After nine years as a service truck for the rally teams KTM and Orlen in the Dakar Rally (among others), this vehicle is now available as an off-road camper rental in The Netherlands.
M-Sport sets sights on Dakar in new Ford rally raid venture
M-Sport plans to enter the rally raid arena as part of a new collaboration with Neil Woolridge Motorsport that intends to contest the famous Dakar Rally in the future.