The Dakar Rally is a grueling test of human and mechanical endurance. Drivers travel thousands of miles over some of the worst terrain on Earth, trying to find ways to save even a few seconds. Cars break down. People get hurt. It's hot. It's dry. It's miserable. Simply finishing is a feat in and of itself. So let's all raise a glass to Stephane Peterhansel of France, who just won the Dakar Rally for the 10th time. Yes, that's a new record.

With the help of his hardworking X-Raid Mini Countryman ALL4 rally car, Peterhansel crossed the finish line in Lima, Peru 38 hours, 54 minutes and 34 seconds after he took off from Mar del Plata, Argentina. His victory makes for his fourth win behind the wheel, on top of his six wins on a motorcycle.

The race ended well for Mini and X-raid, too; all five of their straight-six diesel-powered Countrymen not only finished the race, but finished in the top 10. Now, how can we get our hands on one?

[via Carscoop]