Jean-Louis Schlesser, the title holder from the previous two editions (1999 & 2000), played the part of the craftsman-mechanic to outwit the constructors taking part in the rally, thanks to his mechanical creativity and bold driving. A battle between the Schlesser and Mitsubishi teams was played out between the “Fox of the Desert” and Hiroshi Masuoka. Equally feisty and attacking on the tracks, the Japanese driver however lost his cool when faced with his rival’s attempts to destabilise him… and ended up making a mistake. Following a penalty from the race officials, Schlesser lost the lead and another “Mitsu” driven by Jutta Kleinschmidt won the Dakar in 2001. Masuoka obviously learned his lesson, as he added the following two editions to his roll of honour!

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