The Dakar rally is the ultimate endurance event; a test of navigation, stamina and self-belief. And it never gets any easier.

This year, the competitors made the 6,936-mile journey across seven countries, travelling from the European winter to the extreme desert heat in just 18 days. Stephane Peterhansel took a record seventh Dakar Vladimir Tchaguine put in another dominating performance in the truck section and Nani Roma won a nail-biting bike race by just 12 minutes. Along the way there were crashes and breakdowns galore as they battled the brutal desert terrain. In the Dakar, getting stuck can mean several hours of digging in the searing desert heat with no outside assistance allowed. It was an achievement to finish, let alone win.

This beautifully photographed review shows why the Dakar is so special. It captures the spectacular desert-safari scenery as we follow every stage through day (and night!) via superb heli and in-car cameras. There’s interviews with the top teams and personalities plus plenty of behind-the-scenes footage as the drivers frantically try to fix their vehicles after another destructive day’s driving. The DVD also follows the fortunes of the famous newcomer, Colin McRae, who faced the longest and most challenging rally of his life.

Due for release 5th April 2004.