Stéphane
Peterhansel
France
·
Rally Raid
Date of birth | August 6, 1965 |
|---|---|
Birthplace | Échenoz-la-Méline, France |
Age | 61 |
Nationality | France |
Career start | 1988 |
Discipline | Rally Raid Car |
Stéphane Peterhansel may have started his racing career first on top of a skateboard, then holding on tight to a motorbike – but it was behind the wheel of a car that he truly found his forte. It's no wonder that he's the most successful driver in the history of the Dakar Rally.
With a wealth of experience to hand, he knows exactly how to keep his cool when the heat is on. The Frenchman knows what he needs to do at every stage and at every hurdle with puzzling accuracy. Over the years, his extraordinary discipline has consistently placed him head and shoulders above his competitors and, more often than not, onto the podium.
Success on two wheels
Peterhansel first attempted the Dakar Rally in 1988 when competing in the motorcycle category. He continued to tackle the legendary rally on two wheels for the next decade, winning on six occasions between 1991 and 1998.
Switching to the car category
In 19999, Peterhansel decided the time was right to test his ability behind the wheel. He finished in seventh overall on his debut in the car category and the following year improved to second. In 2003, he joined forces with Mitsubishi and enjoyed instant success, finishing on the podium in his first year and then landing his first car title in 2004. The following year he successfully defended his title.
A decade of dominance
Over the course of the next ten years, Peterhansel would be virtually untouchable. In 2007 he landed his third title in the car category before going on to win in 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2017. The latter two crowns were achieved behind the wheel of a Peugeot 2008 DKR, with the 2016 triumph sealing a first Dakar win for the French manufacturer since 1990.
"It's extraordinary. The pressure was very high, but we came through. Some of my wins count more than others, but this one's definitely in the top three," he commented after leading his Peugeot to victory in 2016.
A 14th Dakar title
In 2019, Peterhansel moved to Mini and two years later delivered a masterclass of race management in the Saudi Arabian desert to lead the race from Stage 1 all the way to the end and secure his 14th Dakar Rally victory, 30 years after his first win.
He continued to race in the Dakar in the following years but was plagued by technical issues as he failed to finish in 2022 and 2023, while his third and final Dakar with Audi saw him finish in 40th place overall.
A return with Land Rover
After missing the 2025 Dakar Rally (the first time he had missed the event since 1994), Peterhansel returned to Saudi Arabia the following year with Land Rover as the legendary British manufacturer entered the off-road race for the very first time.
This time the Frenchman raced in the stock class and narrowly missed out on a podium finish as he ended the rally in fourth place.
Mr Dakar himself, Stéphane Peterhansel
© Marc Bow/Red Bull Content Pool
Taking a break from the Dakar heat
© Flavien Duhamel/Red Bull Content Pool
Stéphane Peterhansel pushing the limits
© Marcelo Maragni/Red Bull Content Pool
Stéphane Peterhansel makes a splash
© Marcelo Maragni/Red Bull Content Pool