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.

We let Carlos, Nasser and Hiroshi pass us today and then we were in their dust. If you want to read more

We let Carlos, Nasser and Hiroshi pass us today and then we were in their dust. If you want to finish the stage safely you need to keep out of the dust of the car in front. It was just like a long train of cars and bikes today. There was no chance to get into a rhythm.

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.

I expected today's stage to be drier than yesterday, because of the slightly higher altitude. The important thing was to read more

I expected today's stage to be drier than yesterday, because of the slightly higher altitude. The important thing was to stay in touch with the leaders without taking any risks and dropping too much time. It was a good day for me.

The rally is hard and unfortunately this year there were some accidents.

The rally is hard and unfortunately this year there were some accidents.