The 2005 event was 5,565 miles (8,956 km) long, began in Barcelona on 31 December 2004 and passed through Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania and Mali before ending at Dakar in Senegal on 16 January 2005.

[1] A record number of competitors, 696 cars, motorbikes and trucks (including assistance vehicles) in total, entered the rally.

[9] The eighth stage between Tichit and Tidjikja across the Mauritanian desert was cancelled due to stormy weather.

[10] Luc Alphand won the ninth stage although Peterhansel retained the overall lead.

[18] Note: Number one was not issued as a mark of respect Richard Sainct, who was killed during the Rally of the Pharaohs in Egypt in September 2004.