Legendary French driver Stéphane Peterhansel, known as “Monsieur Dakar” for his record 14 victories in the iconic race, has shocked the motorsport world by announcing that he will not compete in the 2025 edition of the Dakar Rally. This marks the first time in 36 years that the multi-champion will be absent from one of the sport’s most demanding events, scheduled to take place from January 3 to 17 in Saudi Arabia.
However, his absence does not mean retirement. Through his social media accounts, Peterhansel revealed that January will still be action-packed as he plans to compete in an event that revives the original Dakar spirit on African soil. While he did not explicitly name the competition, all signs point to the Africa Eco Race, which retraces the iconic routes of the Dakar’s early days.
A TEMPORARY FAREWELL
Stéphane Peterhansel made his Dakar debut in 1988 on a motorcycle, launching a legendary career that led to six victories on two wheels and eight more in cars. His consistency made him synonymous with the rally, missing only the 1994 edition and the 2008 race, which was canceled for security reasons.
Yet, his decision to skip 2025 is historic: “For the first time in 36 years, I will not be at the Dakar Rally,” he wrote on his Facebook profile. “These years have brought me countless emotions and successes, but I feel I need a break.” Peterhansel made it clear that he hasn’t ruled out a return in the future, leaving the door open for new adventures in this iconic race.
BACK TO HIS ROOTS
Instead of competing in Saudi Arabia, Peterhansel will focus on Africa, the continent where the Dakar’s legacy was forged. He has confirmed plans to race in January with Yamaha on a route traversing Mauritania and culminating in Dakar, Senegal’s capital. This return to African trails is a nostalgic connection to his early days as a motorcyclist, where he achieved his first victories.
Peterhansel’s role as a Yamaha ambassador adds a special dimension to this new chapter. The Japanese brand, which will not participate in the 2025 Dakar edition, will support him in this journey, allowing him to relive the classic rally’s essence and share his experiences with fellow participants.
INTEREST IN OTHER RACES
Before announcing his absence from the Dakar, Peterhansel had already shown interest in smaller-scale competitions with personal significance. In August 2024, he and his wife Andrea participated in the Aveyronnaise Classic, an enduro rally held in France. Riding a Yamaha WR 250, they competed in the Super Veteran category, showcasing their enduring passion for motorcycles.
This event seems to have influenced Peterhansel’s decision to prioritize more intimate experiences that reconnect him with his roots, leaving behind the pressure and grandeur of the modern Dakar. For Peterhansel, this shift in focus is not a retirement but a new way to enjoy his love for motorsport.
A DIFFERENT JANUARY
From December 28, 2024, to January 12, 2025, Peterhansel will traverse iconic African routes crossing Mauritania and ending at the Pink Lake in Dakar. He will do so in a less demanding format than the professional Dakar but with the same spirit of adventure that defined his early years.
With this new challenge, Stéphane Peterhansel not only pays homage to his roots but also proves that his passion for racing transcends formats and settings. While his absence will be felt in Saudi Arabia, his return to African tracks will surely be an exciting chapter in his illustrious career.
