Peterhansel's perfect 10

Stephane Peterhansel claimed his 10th victory in the South American-based Dakar Rally after crossing the finish line in Lima more than 41 minutes ahead of fellow MINI driver Nani Roma in January.

It was the first year since 2009 that a manufacturer other than Volkswagen has won. German X-raid-built MINIs dominated, with five cars in the top 10, seeing off the Hummers of Robby Gordon and 2010 winner Nasser Al-Attiyah.

Peterhansel, who has now amassed six motorcycle wins and four victories in cars, hailed the event as one of his “best triumphs”.

“When you think of how hard it is to win a Dakar, it’s incredible that I’ve been able to win 10,” he said “To take victory in South America [his last win was five years ago when the event was held in Africa] is a huge relief.

“I was starting to doubt myself, to think I was growing too old for this, that I’d lost it or that I wasn’t made for South America… and in the end everything turned out fine!”