Sainz to tame Audi and dominate the wildest Dakar Rally

From 5 to 19 January, the Dakar Rally will experience a total of 4,727 kilometers and a total route of 7,891 kilometers (links added) between Alula and Yanbu, across the Saudi Arabian desert, with the already famous and feared ‘Empty Quarter’. and one New 48-hour marathon stage This situation, which will please the fans, may turn into a new nightmare for those who want to get to the top of the podium in Yanbu.

This fifth edition of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia could be the toughest and most challenging race, with more dunes and fast route navigation. Or the same, a few pitfalls to avoid. And a labyrinth and vastness in the desert ‘Empty Neighbourhood’ It’s also home to this new double marathon stage that some may not want to leave.

And then A difficult and very fast first episodeAfter the rest day in Riyadh, a second part of the race awaits, navigating variable terrain that will not allow the title contenders to rest even a single day, be it by car or motorcycle, until they reach the finish line. truck.

New 48 hour trap and engine shutdown

Organization and race director, David Casteracontinue to look for new formats to surprise and improve the race. On this occasion, the 46th Dakar Rally will feature a new 48-hour trap, longer than ever, in a two-day marathon stage format, but drivers will be able to help each other out in the afternoon.

What’s new is that this time they won’t be able to choose their dining room or workshop mates, as they will be distributed to pilots and crew. eight different tents. When the clock strikes 16:00, all vehicles will have to stop at the next campsite they arrive at. Continuing the race at 7:00 am the next day with no connection, no knowledge of the results, and no technical assistance.

In the massive ‘Empty Quarter’, this new 48-hour time trial stage will have two separate routes: one for motorcycles and ATVs, the other for cars and trucks, Therefore, no advantage will be provided to four-wheeled vehicles or vehicles that do not open tracks, and even more value will be added to navigation.

A good shortlist of Spanish candidates

There will be three Spaniards on motorcycles who, in principle, can dream high. About Tosha SchareinaHe continues on this path after signing for the official Honda team and achieving thirteenth place in the first two Dakar races. And even more so after winning the Baja Aragon and finishing fifth in the Morocco Rally, a spectacular start to the Dakar Rally.

Veterans should also be taken into account Joan BarredaHe left Honda at the age of 40 and got caught up in Hero’s new adventure. He will look to improve on fifth place in the general classification and add more stage wins to reach or exceed his record of 33 partial wins. Stéphane Peterhansel or Cyril Despres.

During, Lorenzo Santolino The first 5 were determined as targets. The Sherco rider, who finished sixth overall in 2021, is already experienced and was ninth last year. A regular in the top 10, he will look to improve and compete with Toby Price and Toby Price’s biggest favourite, KTM. Luciano BenavidesAlthough the GasGas brand (owned by KTM) will try to become an alternative to victory Sam Sunderland and Daniel Sanders.

‘Matador’ Carlos Sainz and his friends are undoubtedly in the cars Audi They are the Spanish’s greatest asset. The man from Madrid is looking for his fourth Dakar in the Audi RS Q e-tron, after victories in 2010, 2018 and 2020. overcome Anyway, they’ll go to war toyotawith passage and above all new Hunter The current champion is Qatar’s Nasser Al-Attiyah’s Prodrive.

Sainz did not start as a big favourite, and that could benefit him if he successfully escapes the Saudi traps. All eyes are on Al-Attiyah. Own structure within Prodrive and with Hunter, who won seven stages (nine in total for the car) in the hands of Sébastien Loeb in the final round.

Al-Attiyah’s departure from Toyota Gazoo Racing means the Japanese firm loses a major asset, but they have signed a contract with the Brazilian team. Lucas Moraes, Overdrive finished third in its Dakar debut with Toyota Hilux Seth QuinteroOne of the stars of the rally in the T3 category, second in 2023.

And with the Toyota Hilux T1+ the Spaniard will also be on the starting line Isidre Esteve, With 18 Dakar races behind him and the Repsol Toyota Rally Team he will look to finish close to the Top 10, on renewable fuel and with the same enthusiasm and ambition as always, eager to build on last year’s superb performance, which was hampered by a mechanical failure. because it’s closer to his head.

He will also be behind the wheel of his electric RS Q e-tron alongside Carlos Sainz at Audi Sport. ‘Monsieur Dakar’ Stéphane Peterhansel and Swede Mattias Ekström. Meanwhile, at Ford, one of the new developments, they are relying on the experience of Joan ‘Nani’ Roma, who beat cancer (her personal setting) and wants to enjoy the Saudi dunes again after a year’s break.