Luc Alphand

I knew I had a great chance to win. The team worked so hard on the development of our car read more

I knew I had a great chance to win. The team worked so hard on the development of our car and I think over the 15 days we were the better all-round outfit. It's a fantastic feeling to win the Dakar. I experienced many highs and lows in my skiing career, but this is so different.

I have mixed feelings about these long European stages. Unlike some of our rivals we had no problems with the read more

I have mixed feelings about these long European stages. Unlike some of our rivals we had no problems with the windscreen misting over when it rained in October. But I think the problems could arise tomorrow if it rains. If it is really muddy on the second stage it could be dangerous; if you slide or lose traction, that is where the problems begin.

Carlos had a puncture and I was in his dust for a time. Then he caught me and we let read more

Carlos had a puncture and I was in his dust for a time. Then he caught me and we let him passed. Then Hiroshi came back at me and we were all running closely together until I collected a rear-right slow puncture and that cost me the chance of winning the stage.

It was a case of surviving. It was not really a stage suited to the strengths of the Mitsubishis. It read more

It was a case of surviving. It was not really a stage suited to the strengths of the Mitsubishis. It was interesting to compare our speed with the Volkswagens and now they have the twin turbo engines, there is really very little difference between us in terms of the top speed.

Of course, we are thinking of them and their families but there are accidents at home in front of schools. read more

Of course, we are thinking of them and their families but there are accidents at home in front of schools. There are reckless drivers at home.