Carlos Sainz: “A truly special experience”

Recently passed from Toro Rosso à Renault Sport F1 Team at the end of 2017, Carlos Sainz took advantage of the links between the French brand and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (four Megane R.S. had been given to the organizer of the event by the Losange, to officiate in the opening and safety cars) to take part, in VIP car, at the Power Stage of Rally Montecarlo.

Un clin d’oeil à l’histoire, puisque son père Carlos Sainz Senior s’est imposé à trois reprises sur la classique monégasque en 1991 (Toyota Celica), 1995 (Subaru Impreza) et 1998 (Toyota Corolla), tout en ayant piloté une Renault 5 Turbo dans les années 80.

The double world rally champion and just crowned for the second time on the Dakar, had given his son wise advice before the start. “I am delighted that Carlos was able to experience a rally as legendary as Monte-Carlo, comments El Matador.

It was – and still is – a special competition for motorsport enthusiasts. Carlos had already driven rally cars before, but it is different to confront the roads of this very special competition. I gave him some advice, but the most important one was: “have fun”! »

© Renault Media

« It was a truly special experience, underlines the F1 driver. I have often dreamed of this moment during my life and I thank Renault for making it possible. I appreciated being able to drive with a co-driver, notes and a steady pace. The car was very good and I tested the different modes to choose the one I felt most comfortable with.

There is Race mode and Sport mode which includes a bit of anti-skid. The steering is very precise and the stiff suspensions allowed me to have fun in the winding sections. It was a great moment, with also some slippery sections to make the Monte-Carlo experience complete.

My dad told me to approach this carefully, but I had fun. Thank you to everyone who gave me this opportunity. »

Carlos Sainz now looks ahead to his 2018 F1 season, with Renault set to unveil its new car on February 20.

Find the full report and analysis of the Monte-Carlo Rally, produced by our special correspondents, in issue 2150 of AUTOhebdo, available now in digital version, and from this Wednesday on newsstands.