It sounds like a joke–one of the most grueling rallies in the world, swept by MINI? That’s
exactly what’s happened, and it comes as no surprise to followers of the Dakar adventure
rally. MINI and partner Monster Energy have gone after Dakar in a big way in recent years,
dominating the opposition in the all-wheel drive Countryman, and this year MINI took all
three podium positions, as well as winning eleven of the thirteen stages.
Rally raid-prepped MINI Countryman ALL4 Racing models took the top three positions at the
conclusion of the nine-thousand kilomenter rally, which took competitors through the Andes
mountains and across the Atacama desert. Joan “Nani” Roma took top spot, with teammate
Stephane Peterhansel less than six minutes behind. Third was captured by Nasser Al-Attiyah.
The race was Roma’s first Dakar Rally win in a car, though he has competed in the
motorcycle class in the past. “I’m so relieved and happy,” Roma said. “It was my big goal
to win the Dakar not only on a motorbike but also in a car. A dream came true for me and I
want to thank everybody at X-raid and MINI for their great work!”
Eleven MINI ALL4 Racing models started the rally, and all eleven finished the race.
