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Sainz Aims for Fifth Dakar Victory in Saudi Arabia’s Grueling Rally

Posted : 02 January 2025

Carlos Sainz, the veteran Spanish driver, made history by securing his fourth Dakar Rally title last year at the age of 61, making him the oldest winner of the race. This victory also marked Audi's first Dakar win. At 62, Sainz, who recently became a grandfather and is the father of Formula One driver Carlos Sainz Jr., remains confident about his chances for victory in this year’s rally. Speaking at the launch of his new Ford Raptor car, he emphasized his physical readiness and commitment to the race, aiming to enjoy the experience while fighting for the win.

 

The 2024 Dakar Rally will feature fierce competition, with several notable drivers joining the fray, including Qatar's Nasser al-Attiyah and France's Sébastien Loeb, both driving Dacia Sandriders, and Spain's Nani Roma in a Ford. However, one major absence this year is 14-time champion Stéphane Peterhansel, who retired after the 2023 rally. The bike category will also see two-time winner Ricky Brabec defending his title, with Botswana's Ross Branch being a strong contender after finishing second last year.

 

The 47th edition of the rally spans 5,115 kilometers (3,178 miles) across 12 stages, starting in Bisha and concluding in Shubaytah on January 17. This year’s route includes a challenging 48-hour stage through the Empty Quarter, requiring competitors to navigate a thousand kilometers of desert with no outside assistance. Organizers have dubbed this edition "the rally of maturity," highlighting the extreme difficulty and endurance required for success.

 

Since moving to Saudi Arabia in 2020, the Dakar Rally has been part of the country's broader sports investment strategy, which aims to diversify its economy. Saudi Arabia has spent billions in transforming itself into a major sporting hub, attracting top footballers to its Pro-League, hosting a Formula One Grand Prix, high-profile boxing events, and the LIV Golf Tour. Additionally, the kingdom's sports ambitions received a major boost with its recent selection as the host for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

 

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