Carlos Sainz: “The Dakar really starts tomorrow”

Starting first on the 11 km of the Prologue of the Dakar 2021 this Saturday in Saudi Arabia, Carlos Sainz (Mini JCW) was the first of the favorites to encounter problems in this edition.

The Spaniard, winner in 2020, was in fact slowed down from the first kilometers, causing a small loss of time. “It's not a very good start, since we suffered a puncture in the first kilometer, “El Matador” soberly comments upon arrival.

We continued without checking the tire, but had to drive slowly. It's not great, but it's the overall result that counts. The bad thing is not losing 36″, the bad thing is the starting position.

We will start in 28th position tomorrow, and that could cost us time. It's like that. Tomorrow, the Dakar really begins. »

Nothing too worrying for the double world rally champion, in a Mini clan which did not shine too much in this Prologue. Orlando Terranova is the best placed representative of the brand in 6th position, when Stéphane Peterhansel takes 14th place.