
The 2024 Dakar Rally witnessed a historic moment as Carlos Sainz Sr secured a commendable victory for Audi, marking the German marque’s first triumph in the prestigious marathon. The 46th edition in Saudi Arabia showcased Sainz’s dominance, leading almost the entire way and eventually claiming the overall victory by a substantial margin over his competitors.
Despite not winning a single individual stage, Sainz’s consistent drives and ability to avoid setbacks set him apart. His 17th participation in Dakar faced an early setback in the Prologue, where he finished 48th, compromising his starting position. However, the 61-year-old quickly recovered, taking the lead on Stage 2.
Sainz’s setback in the Prologue didn’t deter his determination. Overcoming the blow, he swiftly put himself back in the fight, showcasing his experience in navigating the challenges of Dakar.
Yazeed Al-Rajhi briefly moved ahead, but Sainz regained control after Al-Rajhi’s Toyota Hilux overturned in Stage 6. Sainz retained the lead in the second week, maintaining a 20-minute advantage over his competitors.
Despite stiff competition from Sebastien Loeb, Sainz looked poised for victory until Loeb faced an hour-long setback on the penultimate stage due to damaged suspension. With his main rival out of contention, Sainz cruised to the finish line.
Sainz’s victory not only marked his fourth career title but also a historic win for Audi. The German manufacturer entered Dakar in 2022 with the ambitious electric-powered RS Q e-tron, showcasing the potential of alternative power sources in motorsports.
In a display of exemplary teamwork, both Mattias Ekstrom and Stephane Peterhansel assisted Sainz during tricky terrains, ensuring he had cover when needed. This highlighted the collaborative spirit within the Audi team, contrasting with the solo journey of Prodrive and Loeb.
Sebastien Loeb emerged as Sainz’s main rival, showcasing a comeback victory on Stage 6. However, challenges such as punctures and navigation mistakes hindered his progress. Despite winning five stages, Loeb’s final position was compromised by a late suspension issue.
Guillaume de Mevius, in his maiden outing in the Dakar’s Ultimate/T1+ class, secured a remarkable second-place finish. His victory on the opening stage added to the success of Overdrive, outperforming the factory Toyota team.
The factory Toyota team faced challenges, including Lucas Moraes’s troubles and Martin Prokop’s recovery. Guerlain Chicherit’s back-to-back stage victories showcased the competitive spirit of Overdrive.
MP Sports Ford’s Martin Prokop and South African rookie Guy Botterill delivered impressive performances. However, Nani Roma’s retirement and Matthieu Serradori’s drama added twists to the rally.
Sainz, reaching the bivouac at Yanbu just outside the top 10, comfortably wrapped up his fourth career title. Audi’s triumph in Dakar and the manufacturer’s success with four different brands added to the significance of the victory.
Audi’s potential exit from Dakar, focusing on its Formula 1 project in 2026 with Sauber, raises questions about the future of the team in the rally-raid. The result marks a fitting send-off for Audi, considering its contribution to Dakar.
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