In the constant search for new challenges, the 11th "Dakar" changed its format with a route that would take the 472 entrants in this motor sport epic through Libya for the first time. Any thought of a less than warm welcome from the local people was soon dissipated with generous hospitality, but that's more than could be said for the savage and treacherous Libyan desert. Once again a broad range of Mitsubishis were entered for the event, from the hi-tech Prototypes driven by former Formula One star Patrick Tambay to an amazing PX-33 replica. The works Sonauto-Mitsubishi team was the largest manufacturers' team ever,  with seven vehicles including the PX-33, the rest being Pajeros. Team Sonauto Mitsubishi Nikon had Lartigue, Cowan and Da Silva, while the Citizen-backed vehicles had Tambay, Shinozuka and Fontenay. The PX-33, a replica of the first ever Japanese four-wheel-drive vehicle, was driven by Jaussaud. The 11,000km even started earlier than usual, on Christmas Day, to avoid clashing with the Monte Carlo Rally. It was a story of high drama and what was soon to become motoring legend, as at first the Mitsubishis suffered from the low grade of fuel available. By the half way point ad Agadez, Tambay had battled his way to third overall, while Lartigue's high performance engine had had enough of the poor fuel quality and retired.\ Tambay held on to third until the finish, while Shinozuka became a hero with a dramatic fight back from 19th after his fuel problems to an amazing sixth, beating everybody through Guinea on the way. Mitsubishi debuted its new V6 Pajero engine on the event in the Modified Production class, and the Marreau brothers took it to a fine class victory. Five Mitsubishis filled the top ten places with third, fifth, sixth and seventh. And the PX-33? It survived to finish a creditable 31st overall.
FINAL CLASSIFICATION1989 Paris - Tunis - Dakar Rally
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Copyright 1996,1997 by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.
