The rally, Madagascar's biggest annual motorsport event is based in the Madagascan capital of Antananarivo.
Political instability which in turn led to the collapse of the Madagascan economy saw the rally suspended after the 1972 event.
The Grand Rallye de Madagascar returned briefly from 1986 to 1990 before the collapse of the military government saw another period of suspension.
One of the odd traditions of Madagascar rallying is competitors are commonly referred to by nicknames and pseudonyms rather than their actual names.
"Joda", otherwise known as Jean-Yves Ranarivelo is the most successful driver in the rallies history with five victories spread between 1990 and the first African championship event in 2011.