Paris Dakar 2002

A UNIQUE SPORTING EXPERIENCE...
By Hubert Auriol  

The challenge that amateurs face and the stakes at hand for the professionals make the Dakar a unique experience for everybody. The Dakar dimension is measured in the anonymous or mediatized exploit of both amateurs driven by passion and hardened professionals

The rally has matured and evolved from its origins that were filled with adventurous risks, the conquest of the unknown and rugged excitement. Now, sporting performance has emerged as the essential value that drives this rally, which is like no other in the world.

Priority was given to regulations, assistance and safety for the 2002 race. Our major task focuses upon regulations and sportsmanship – Both are inseparable. We wanted simpler and stricter regulations: Simpler so as to make them more comprehensible to the competitors and the public. Stricter so as to guarantee sportsmanship throughout the race. The race this year will benefit from a team of specially selected officials and more race commissioners specifically hired and trained for setting up random verifications...

As in 2001, logistics will reduce the number of airplanes while increasing the number of assistance vehicles on the ground – More than 80 vehicles involved. This method, opted for last year, gives the race greater flexibility, makes direct contact easier and is friendlier. This logistic is geared to allow the competitor’s team, friends and sponsors participate more in the realities and demands of the terrain... In this way, the entire team lives the race from the inside. Our assistance policy has firmly developed towards a better service for the competitors, particularly in the case of the amateurs. Even with a stronger and more controlled logistic, however, the rally is not void of unexpected events linked to a race that takes place mainly in the desert. This is precisely where our experience plays a key role in bringing both competitors and assistance teams all the way to Dakar.

The respect of safety regulations is the permanent priority for the organiser of the Dakar. Measures have been strengthened in 2002: Systemized radar verification, time penalties and fines in the case of failure to respect regulations and advanced information given to those who live along the course...

Far from imposing constraints upon the competitors, regulation, assistance and security form the necessary framework by which to preserve the Dakar values: Mutual assistance, involvement, pushing beyond one’s self and the sporting challenge.

The Dakar occupies a unique place in the automotive rally world. The sporting dimension of this 24th Dakar keeps the competition’s appeal alive: an exceptional course, new types of marathon stages, a balance between off road driving and degree of difficulty, plus the majestic beauty of the landscape along the way...

The rendezvous is fixed at Arras on the 28th of December 2001 for the start of the 24th race! 

Paris Dakar 2002
	Introduction The Reconnaissance Trips The Route Stage Updates Media Coverage