Alphand's victory was not really as much of a surprise to those following the grueling event, as he was second in his first
Dakar outing in 2005 at the wheel of his Mitsubishi. Although, bad luck continued to hound early leader Stephane Peterhansel, all Alphand had to do was hang on, which he did. A thumped tree spelled the end for Peterhansel, and Alphand was able to cruise home. Volkswagen put on a decent charge with its massive effort, and they were rewarded with a strong second place.
"Obviously we are delighted about Volkswagen's second place finish and also for Giniel de Villiers and Tina Thörner in this year's Dakar Rally, which was extremely tough, fast and exciting", explains Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris
Nissen. "At the same time we are disappointed that we didn't win. A win was our target. The opportunity and potential were there, but unfortunately they went begging. Congratulations to Mitsubishi, Luc Alphand and Gilles Picard on their victory."
American Robbie Gordon was expected to challenge for victory in his Hummer, but that didn't come to pass. Instead American Mark Miller was strong and consistent all rally, and came home with a well deserved fifth place.
Final Dakar Standings after Stage 15, 4,813 / 9,043 km stage/total:
Pos., Team, Vehicle, Total time:
1. Luc Alphand/Gilles Picard (F/F), Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution 53:47:32 hrs.
2. Giniel de Villiers/Tina Thörner (RSA/S), Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 + 17:53 min.
3. Nani Roma/Henri Magne (E/F), Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution + 1:50:38 hrs.
4. Stéphane Peterhansel/Jean-P. Cottret (F/F), Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution + 3:20:24 hrs.
5. Mark Miller/Dirk von Zitzewitz (USA/D), Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 + 3:23:25 hrs.
6. Jean-L. Schlesser/François Borsotto (F/F), Schlesser-Ford + 4:09:23 hrs.
7. Carlos Sousa/Jean-Marie Lurquin (P/B), Nissan Pick-up + 5:40:11 hrs.
8. Bruno Saby/Michel Périn (F/F), Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 + 8:14:45 hrs.
9. Guerlain Chicherit/Matthieu Baumel (F/F), BMW X3 + 8:25:13 hrs.
10. Thierry Magnaldi/Arnaud Debron (F/F), Schlesser-Ford + 8:25:57 hrs.
11. Carlos Sainz/Andreas Schulz (E/D), Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 + 10:03:46 hrs.
 |
| Alphand's victory was not really as much of a surprise to those following the grueling event, as he was second in his first Dakar outing in 2005 at the wheel of his Mitsubishi. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors) |
"Obviously we are delighted about Volkswagen's second place finish and also for Giniel de Villiers and Tina Thörner in this year's Dakar Rally, which was extremely tough, fast and exciting", explains Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris
 |
| Volkswagen put on a decent charge with its massive effort, and they were rewarded with a strong second place. (Photo: Volkswagen) |
American Robbie Gordon was expected to challenge for victory in his Hummer, but that didn't come to pass. Instead American Mark Miller was strong and consistent all rally, and came home with a well deserved fifth place.
Final Dakar Standings after Stage 15, 4,813 / 9,043 km stage/total:
Pos., Team, Vehicle, Total time:
 |
| Mitsubishi took 1st, 3rd and 4th place at Dakar. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors) |
1. Luc Alphand/Gilles Picard (F/F), Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution 53:47:32 hrs.
2. Giniel de Villiers/Tina Thörner (RSA/S), Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 + 17:53 min.
3. Nani Roma/Henri Magne (E/F), Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution + 1:50:38 hrs.
4. Stéphane Peterhansel/Jean-P. Cottret (F/F), Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution + 3:20:24 hrs.
5. Mark Miller/Dirk von Zitzewitz (USA/D), Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 + 3:23:25 hrs.
 |
| Volkswagen placed 2nd, 5th, 8th and 11th in Dakar, a strong showing. (Photo: Volkswagen) |
6. Jean-L. Schlesser/François Borsotto (F/F), Schlesser-Ford + 4:09:23 hrs.
7. Carlos Sousa/Jean-Marie Lurquin (P/B), Nissan Pick-up + 5:40:11 hrs.
8. Bruno Saby/Michel Périn (F/F), Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 + 8:14:45 hrs.
9. Guerlain Chicherit/Matthieu Baumel (F/F), BMW X3 + 8:25:13 hrs.
10. Thierry Magnaldi/Arnaud Debron (F/F), Schlesser-Ford + 8:25:57 hrs.
11. Carlos Sainz/Andreas Schulz (E/D), Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 + 10:03:46 hrs.