For three decades the Dakar Rally has been the ultimate adventure in motorsport, pitting competitor and machine against the most extreme terrain and toughest conditions.
The Dakar Rally has produced many stories, stories which have passed into legend. From the foresight and ingenuity of founder Thierry Sabine to the dramatic battles of 2007, the Dakar has been packed with triumph, tragedy, controversy and, most importantly, a true spirit of adventure.
The adventurous have come in their thousands in specially adapted cars, trucks and motorcycles to take on the greatest challenge, not just from their rivals, but also from the harsh African environment.
In this programme we relive some of the most memorable episodes from the turbulent history of the Dakar Rally. Original footage, interviews and commentary bring you the full story of these history-making events.
Travel back to the very first Dakar Rally, relive the exploits of the extraordinary Marreau brothers, discover incredible challenges like the Tenere and the 'Dead Dunes' and share the dramatic triumphs and tragedies.
Along the way we meet legends of the event, including Cyril Despres, Ari Vatanen, Juha Kankkunen, Stephane Peterhansel, Luc Alphand, Jean-Louis Schlesser, Phillipe Jambert, Cyril Neveu, Hubert Auriol and many more.
Plus, there are the motorsport heroes who could not resist the ultimate adventure, like Formula One driver Jacky Ickx, World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz and US racing star Robbie Gordon.
Bonus features include fascinating and rare film from the early reconnaissance, a look at how the wreckage abandoned in the deserts is recovered, some of the biggest crashes the Dakar Rally has seen and more.