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2003 Dakar Rally 
Car no. 225, driven by the Pescarolo team, is not like the other participants. High-tech from ESA’s space programmes assists the team through the tough Sahara rally. Thermal screens using spin-offs from the European launcher Ariane insulate the car’s exhaust pipes. Two combined systems cools the drivers’ helmets and a new self-cooling container provides fresh drinks on the way. All are based on technologies that ESA developed for space programmes. 9 January 2003 – Stage 8 from Ghat in Sabha in Libya Stage 8 is one of the most difficult parts of the rally, 721 km across the mountains of the Akakus, with splendid landscapes reminiscent of the colours of Colorado. At the start line in Ghat, the track goes down south to Algeria before going back up to the Akakus Mountains with giant dunes and sharp rocks.
Pescarolo ends this stage as no. 20, overall he now holds the 17th position.
8 January 2003 – Stage 7 from Ghadames to Ghat in Libya Of the first 691 km marathon stage of this year’s rally, the first 300 km of fast track take the competitors to the Erg of Awbari. Then follows 50 km of giant dunes with solid sand, some 100 metres high. Easy to go up, the toughest part is to cross the top and descent. With the threat of getting stuck on a dune, the competitors have to zigzag to find the best way through. The track then goes through canyons and long sections of sand.
Ending the day as no. 29, left Pescarolo in an overall 20th position.
7 January 2003 – Stage 6 from El Borma in Tunisia to Ghadames in Libya With 228 km completely off-road and successions of dunes and ergs to be crossed, the finish line in Ghadames, Libya is the first moment of truth on the 2003 Dakar Rally. Correct navigation is the crucial point. A test for the strongest and most experienced drivers and a real challenge for the newcomers.
The day went well for Pescarolo team. Ending the day in 17th position, his overall standing was advanced from position no. 35 to no. 17.
6 January 2003 – Stage 5 from Tozeur to El Borma in Tunisia The Stage 5 terrain is a mix of sandy and rocky tracks with numerous changes of direction. Tricky sections, small dunes and strips of sand have to be passed, before the track becomes easier and faster with few bumps and jumps. The course then heads between hills and navigation becomes harder with quite a few parallel tracks and very little detail to aid navigation.
The day went well without major problems for Henri Pescarolo and co-driver Serge de Liedekerke. They finished as no. 20, resulting in an overall 35th position.
4 January 2003 – The African adventure begins The 8 552 km ‘2003 Dakar Rally’ started in Marseilles on 1 January and competitors are due to reach the finish line at Sharm El Sheikh on 19 January. The rally features a total of three stages through France and Spain, three in Tunisia, five in Libya and six in Egypt. After the three stages in Europe, Henri Pescarolo was holding an overall good 21st position in the rally. However due to mechanical problems hit on the second day, he faces a penalty on the first day in Tunisia, dropping him to an overall position of no. 104.
By the end of the first day on the African continent (Stage 4) the rally reached the edge of the Sahara desert at Tozeur.
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