Home » De Villiers retires from his final Dakar Rally with a remarkable record

De Villiers retires from his final Dakar Rally with a remarkable record

Giniel de Villiers made his Dakar debut in 2003 driving a Nissan. The South African was competing in his 21st Dakar Rally and had reached the finish line in 21 consecutive editions. However, this streak came to an end during this year’s rally, as he was forced to withdraw after the sixth stage due to his navigator, Dirk von Zitzewitz, suffering a concussion. De Villiers had previously announced that this would be his final Dakar.

De Villiers began his Dakar career in 2003, finishing fifth in his debut during the rally’s days in North Africa. A year later, he claimed his first stage win. In 2006, he joined Volkswagen’s factory team and marked the move with his first podium finish. His worst result was 11th place in 2007.

After the 2008 rally was canceled, the event relocated to South America in 2009, where De Villiers won the first edition on the new continent. Since 2012, he has driven for Toyota, achieving only top-ten finishes with the team. De Villiers was known as one of the most consistent drivers in Dakar history.

This was his 22nd and final participation, making his first withdrawal a bittersweet moment. However, with 286 stages started and finished (a record), 18 stage victories, 20 top-ten finishes, 8 podiums, and 1 Dakar win, he can look back on his career with pride. Giniel de Villiers is a true Dakar legend.