Spanish driver Carlos Sainz (Audi) triumphed for the fourth time in his career in the Dakar Rally (car class) after successes in 2010, 2018 and 2020 at the end of the 12th (last) stage, which took place on Friday in Yanbu, in Saudi Arabia.

Carlos SainzPhoto: Xavi Bonilla/DPPI/Shutterstock Editorial/Profimedia

Carlos Sainz, the fourth champion of the Dakar Rally, an Iberian, is 61 years old

At the age of 61, Carlos Sainz is the oldest winner of the Dakar Rally, the race that was held for the 46th time this year. He is the father of Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr. (Ferrari).

Nicknamed “El Matador”, the experienced Iberian driver led the overall standings at the end of stage six and managed to maintain his lead throughout the second week of racing thanks to his Audi team-mates, Sweden’s Matthias Ekström and France’s Stephane Peterhansel.

Two-time World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz finished this year’s edition of the Dakar Rally with a lead of 1 hour 20 minutes 25 seconds over Belgium’s Guillaume de Mevius (Overdrive), who finished second. The Frenchman Sebastien Loeb (Prodrive) was on the third step of the podium, 1 hour 25 minutes 12 seconds.

The last stage, which was held on the Yanbu track, was won by Guillaume de Mevius, who ran 175 km in 1 hour 44 minutes 50 seconds, followed by Lithuania’s Vaidotas Zala (X-Raid) by 12 seconds and France’s Guerlain Chicherit (Overdrive). ), for 20 seconds.

Thus, Carlos Sainz equaled the records with Finn Ari Vatanen, both of whom won four victories on the Dakar Rally.

Only Frenchman Sefan Peterhansel (8 victories in the car class) and Qatari Nasser Al-Attiyah (5 victories) are ahead of them, reports Agerpres.

Know:

  • Carlos Sainz won each time with a different manufacturer: alongside Volkswagen in 2010, Peugeot in 2018, Mini in 2020 and Audi in 2024.

Final table of the “Dakar-2024” rally.

1. Carlos Sainz (Spain/Audi) 48h 15ft 18in

2. Guillaume de Mevius (Belgium/Overdrive) 49h 35ft 43in

3. Sebsatien Loeb (Prodrive) 49 hours. 40 min. 30 min.

4. Guerlain Chicherit (France/Overdrive) 49 h 51′ 17 inches

5. Martin Prokop (Czech Republic/Jipocar) 50h 32′ 01” etc.