Giniel de Villiers became the first African to ever win the Dakar Rally when he cleaned up in 227 kilometre special stage from Cordoba to Buenos Aires. Crossing the line in a fitting first place, the South African driver also gave VW their first Dakar Rally constructor’s win. In the end, after having dominated for the last seven years, Mitsubishi just couldn’t rival the power and reliablity of the diesel powered racing Touaregs. Mark Miller finished the event second overall in the sister VW, while Robby Gordon secured a well-earned third in his monstourous Hummer.
Ironically, it came after the race was switched from Africa following the cancellation of the 2008 edition following a terrorist attack in Mauritania which left four French tourists dead.
“It’s absolutely incredible. I have never felt such emotion,” said De Villiers, who had finished second in 2006 and who admitted to feeling “very nervous over the final kilometres” with victory in sight.
“I couldn’t stop counting up how many kilometres remained I am really happy for the team, for Volkswagen, who have backed us for five years to achieve this win.”
Miller said he was delighted with his second place.
“The team won and that was our goal. It’s really awesome. Finishing second is great. It could have been Giniel or me; that’s the race,” said the American.
“I am still young and I will have plenty more opportunities to win this raid.”
De Villiers admitted he had feared he would finish in third place before the 12th stage turning point which saw Sainz exit and Miller lose time.
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