Dakar – Carlos Sainz, between disappointment and pride

Disappointed, but proud. Carlos Sainz speaks out after the engine problems that occurred during the 6th stage of the Dakar which forced him to abandon. Winner of the very first stage of this 2013 edition and winner of the event in 2010, “El Matador” holds his head high. “It’s a big disappointment for my race to finish with engine problems”, explains the Spanish pilot. “Even if my rally is now complete, I am proud to have played my part in showing that our Buggy was a serious project. With the little time we had to prepare our car, I think we've already done a good job. »

While his participation this year was already a huge surprise, will Carlos Sainz be back next year to take his revenge? The former rally champion (WRC) leaves room for doubt. “ Qatar Red Bull Rally Team has the potential to improve for future editions of the Dakar and I will discuss my own role within this project with Nasser (Al-Attyah, his teammate, editor’s note) when he has finished his race. Now that I am out of the race, there is nothing left to do except continue to support Nasser from the side. In the general classification, the latter returned to the leader, Stéphane Peterhansel, reviving interest in the competition as a very high altitude stage looms.