Carlos Sainz And Lucas Cruz They are now more than ready to compete in Dakar 2024. They introduced the new car at the Jarama Circuit today Audi RS Q e-tron They will compete in an edition that will start next January 5 on Saudi soil.

“A huge effort has been made throughout the year. Of the three Audis we have owned, this is the best. The suspensions gave us a headache, but we took another path and we have a more efficient and reliable car. The tests have come back positive and we hope that we can fight to the end in this edition”, he admits he did with excitement sainz.

To be The last dance of the Audi project before stepping into Formula 1 in 2026. The brand, which has a track record of six stage victories and 22 podiums since 2022, wants to say goodbye to the world’s toughest rally in style, and this philosophy is clear to both Carlos and Carlos. Luke.

“Audi never gives up. This is the motto of the sport. Emotions, setbacks, but the athlete is the one who always gets back on his feet and looks for a new opportunity. And above all, he is the one who has a positive attitude. After all, he will make you a better or worse pilot “They may remember me, but I want to be remembered as a man who achieved his success with determination,” he said. Carlos.

“We are approaching this in the same way as the first Dakar race in 2010. Homework is done and work is done. He also admitted, “I’m really looking forward to starting a new challenge.” Lucas Cruz.

Change in FIA rules

The most controversial issue in the last race, as in the last three Dakar races, continues to be the weight-to-power ratio compared to its rivals due to Audi’s FIA obligations. “The first year I complained about the huge difference in kilos, around 100 kilos. Telemetry proved us right. Last year we started with less power, more kilos. That was ridiculous, and they gave us more power. This year they did too.” “It gave us more strength to balance us, so we are happy,” he said. sainz.

The FIA ​​has decided to change the rule limiting Audi’s power and requiring its minimum weight because it is an electric car, offering them an additional 15 kilowatts in 2024 which would take them closer to the fastest. cars.

When he recovered from the injury he suffered in the last Dakar, Carlos cleared the doubts. “I was able to recover well. We did all the planned tests with the vehicle we took to Arabia. The injury did not affect me. I was able to work well physically.”

He wants his Dakar with Audi

sainz Finally, he will try to conquer his first Dakar in an Audi that promises to race on one of the most challenging courses in memory from day one. This won’t be easy for him as he shares his favorites list with the champion. Nasser Al-Attiyah, Sebastien Loeb, Stephane Peterhansel, Yazeed Al Rajhi And Lucas Moraesamong others.

“There have been moments of all colors, of all types. There are beautiful and fun moments, and it doesn’t always happen when you win. There are fantastic moments that I remember as if it were today. And there are also emotionally and physically difficult moments. I always think of the best, which is yet to come. It’s full of positive energy.” We are focused on Dakar.” sainz He remembers the best and worst times of his time in Dakar.

“You need team spirit to win. Dakar is much more. It is a family. This unity and harmony is very important. Sending this message to our rivals helps us as a team,” he said. Luke.

The purpose for both “Matador” and “Matador” is clear. To go pastThis is nothing short of repeating the victory they achieved as a duo in 2010, 2018 and 2020. volkswagenwith the second peugeot and with the third Mini. Now it’s time for Audi’s long-awaited victory in the Dakar.