The motor world, and in particular the Dakar, is in mourning. This Wednesday the legend of the rally passed away René Medge at 82 years old, due to a stroke. Born on October 23, 1941 in Montrouge (France), he was one of the most successful pilots in the specialty with three titles in the car category.
doctor He won the 1981 Dakar with Land Rover and the 1984 and 1986 Dakar with Porsche. Later, in 1987 and 1988, he was director of the rally, after the tragic disappearance of Thierry Sabine in 1986. He also competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans on six occasions, climbing to the second step of the category 4 podium in 1977 alongside Patrick Bardinon and Anne Charlotte Verney. He competed again in the La Sarthe classic in 1979, 1982, 1984, 1986 and 1987.
His taste for often wearing a Texan hat earned him the nickname ‘The Malakoff Cowboy’. Beyond what he achieved behind the wheel, René also stood out for his desire for invention outside of the circuits and sand tracks. Together with another Dakarian legend, Schlesser, they both founded the Africa Eco Race. Precisely the organization of the test that revives the spirit of the Dakar in its African era learned of this sad news in the middle of this Wednesday, where a 15th edition is being held with emotional overtones from now on.
2024-01-03 18:27:59
#René #Metge #triple #Dakar #champion #dies
