The world's most gruelling race, the Dakar Rally, has been won by Luc Alphand.

Driving a Mitsubishi, the French man claimed victory by more than 18 minutes over South African Giniel De Villiers, who raced a Volkswagen Touareg.

"This is definitely the most exciting Dakar Rally that I have raced in," said Alphand. "I had good vision being at the front."

Ninety-three motorcyclists, 67 car crews and 33 truck teams made it to the finish of the 28th Dakar Rally.

Mark Coma won the motorcycle category, while Vladimir Chagin took victory in the trucks.

The race was overshadowed by the death of two children earlier in the rally and Australian motorcyclist Andy Caldecott.