Mitsubishi driver Peterhansel claims hat-trick of Dakar rally victories

FRENCHMAN Stephane Peterhansel sealed his third Dakar Rally triumph following yesterday’s 15th and final stage in the Senegalese capital.

With the overall victory all but confirmed after Saturday’s final major stage, the Mitsubishi driver cruised home in 51st place in yesterday’s 16-kilometre special stage to take the title by seven minutes 23 seconds from compatriot and team-mate Luc Alphand.

The win makes it a hat-trick of successes for Peterhansel following previous triumphs in 2004 and 2005.