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Paris-Dakar 1983 voyage

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Теnere.Sandstorm.All rally out of fuell.Fatal accident.

The first visit to the Tenere desert was as astounding as it was terrifying. The competitors found themselves plunged into an interminable sandstorm which caused no less than 40 drivers to lose their bearings. Those who strayed furthest had to spend as much as four days getting back on course.


1983: the Paris-Dakar runs out of petrol

When the rally reaches Illizi, Algeria, Thierry Sabine finds out that petrol reserves are rapidly dwindling towards zero. To avoid running out of fuel, he sends Roger Kalmanovitz to Agadez on a quest to find at least 50,000 litres of petrol and convenes to meet him at the Tree of Ténéré. Mission accomplished. But in the meanwhile, the pilots have decided to go on strike. But Thierry Sabine manages to convince them to continue.

-"I heard Auriol approaching the Tree of Ténéré. He asked whether he was the first. I said: "Yes, but it will cost you 400 francs to fill your tank", remembers Roger Kalmanovitz, one of the founders of the rally together with Thierry Sabine.


Winners Paris Dakar Rally 1983 Team Category
Jacky ICKX (BEL) / Claude BRASSEUR (FRA) Mercedes 280 GE Cars
Hubert AURIOL (FRA) BMW GS980R Motorcycles
George GROINE (FRA) Mercedes-Benz Trucks

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In his fourth rally, Team Yamaha-France rider Pineau was killed a section of tarmac near Léo when he collided with a military vehicle. His best finish was 3rd overall.