The Toyota Team Araco pairing of Jean-Jacques Ratet and Jean-Pierre Garcin claimed a hat-trick of victories with yet another class win in the gruelling 2002 Paris-Dakar rally from December 28-January 13.

The 2002 Paris-Dakar marked the 24th running of the event, which passed through France, Spain, Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal.

The Frenchmen’s Toyota LandCruiser 100 Series finished over 15 hours ahead of its nearest rivals, Toyota Araco team-mates Toshinori Asaga and Daisuke Arakawa.

Ratet and his navigator Garcin’s third consecutive win in the diesel-engined production class followed a flawless run during the 10,000km journey from Arras, north of Paris, to Dakar the capital of Senegal.

They finished a creditable ninth outright against a field of highly-modified off-road racers, and claimed top spot in the overall unmodified production class made up of both diesel and petrol-powered vehicles.

“In a category where four manufacturers compete fiercely, it’s great to win again, especially in my 25th year competing in Toyotas,” said Ratet.

The field fought against highly changeable conditions, particularly in the final stages of the event.

Driving rain and howling winds struck the rally participants in the southern stages of Mauritania, making for four torturous days of competition.

The sun shone brightly, however, as they entered the final stage of the rally along a beach near Dakar.

“This great victory belongs to the Toyota ARACO team,” said navigator Garcin.

“Jean-Jacques was really fast this year, and the car never gave us any trouble.”