Carlos Sainz aims to draw level

January 2 ^nd 2025 - 14:17 [GMT + 3]

Carlos Sainz made his debut on the Dakar in 2006, two years after Nasser Al Attiyah. He was the first of the two to write his name on the roll of honour, in 2010, but the Qatari champion then overtook him and now boasts 5 trophies on his shelf. With his fourth triumph behind the wheel of a hybrid Audi last year, ‘El Matador’ is catching up and is aiming to draw level in the brand-new Ford Raptor that he will be driving for the M-Sport team. His rival of the last 18 years finds himself in a similar condition behind the wheel of a Dacia Sandrider and the 48 HR Chrono stage that will take place on the third day could prove to be decisive in this duel: “We need to complete the first week in a good position, which will be difficult because we will be without assistance on two occasions. For the strategy, last year I slowed down on the stage before and that allowed me to gain time on the 48 HR Chrono. However, this year there will be a 400-km stage before, so it is very difficult to calculate. Another difficulty is that we will have a lot of distance to cover without the bikes’ tracks on this Dakar. For the driver opening the way, it will be difficult and a handicap”. Tactics and speed will be at the heart of the matter and the title holder is well aware that he will have to be up to the task in both aspects in order to defend his crown. “With a new car, we are starting to write a new chapter. I’m reasonably confident with what I saw on the Rallye du Maroc. This is the most open edition that I have ever seen, with four constructors who are in the reckoning for the win. I hope we will all be battling for the prize”. To enhance the Raptor’s chances, Sainz will be backed up in the team by his countryman Nani Roma, his former Audi team-mate Audi Mattias Ekström and American Mitch Guthrie.