Benavides, Peterhansel win titles in Dakar 2021

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ANKARA (AA) - Kevin Benavides won his first title in the motorbike class while Mini driver Stephane Peterhansel has clinched the title in the cars' class in Dakar 2021 in Saudi Arabia on Friday.

The 55-year-old Peterhansel from France sealed the title for the 14th time as he has won the car category eight times and motorbike category six times during his career.

In the motorbike category, Monster Energy Honda rider Kevin Benavides has claimed his first Dakar Rally title.

Argentinean rider finished first with 47 hours, 18 minutes and 14 seconds after twelve stages.

- French rider Pierre Cherpin dies following car crash in seventh stage

Meanwhile, French rider Pierre Cherpin died after a crash during the Dakar Rally's seventh stage in Saudi Arabia on Jan.10.

After the accident, he was taken to hospital, suffered a loss of consciousness and underwent neurosurgery.

"Urgently operated in neurosurgery, he had since then been kept in an induced coma, his condition has remained stable over the past few days. He was airlifted from Sakaka to Jeddah’s hospital from where he was going to be transferred to Lille’s hospital," the organization said on Friday.

"The entire Dakar caravan would like to extend its sincere condolences to his family, relatives, and friends."