Carlos Sainz spent the first week of the year studying notes from Dakar. He entered the rest day as the race leader, a position he has earned in three Dakar editions with three different teams. He navigates each challenge with humility, knowing from experience that the margin for error remains tiny and the effort must stay constant.
He was the standout figure at the camp in Riyadh. Content with the week’s work and confident in the strategy chosen by Lucas Cruz, and reassured by the car’s reliability, Sainz looks toward the second week with a blend of optimism and caution, aware that the coming stages are bound to deliver intense moments.
How does the driver approach the second week while watching rivals fall away from the fight?
The rest day is a valuable pause for both the team and the vehicle. The RS Q e-tron remains intricate and requires careful maintenance, so several parts were replaced. There is a clear advantage, yet the Dakar has proven that half an hour can swing quickly in either direction, so the test is far from over. The team is pleased with the first week’s results but stays vigilant. The race demands humility as the latter stages unfold.
Who is the main rival?
The competition is formidable. Ekström and Loeb remain in proximity, and Audi holds a strong position, offering a solid opportunity to capitalize on any mistake from others.
Did the driver imagine achieving such a solid start?
Positive expectations colored the perspective. The plan anticipated a strong rest-day position after a week that mixed bold choices with demanding conditions. The pace now accelerates, and the team knows the dangers of overconfidence; winning requires balance, speed, and care, especially with the brutal rhythm the race has adopted.
Was the car’s reliability a highlight?
Yes. The performance was solid, and the team had prepared more thoroughly than before. Reliability is Dakar’s central concern, and this complex machine tests every bit of it. The crew did superb work, yet there remains potential waiting to be unlocked.
Reliability remains Dakar’s central concern
Is victory within reach?
Experience suggests focusing on the present is essential. Each day counts, and the only worry is the next stage. Stay grounded, and the path to victory will reveal itself in time.
Was the week harder than anticipated?
The Dakar presents real difficulty. Current issues and gaps between rivals underscore that nothing is easy. The season demands year-long effort, and that drive fuels energy and motivation to push forward.
Could the race be lost through reliability?
Not solely. While reliability exists alongside mechanical or human errors and navigation challenges, the team remains in a favorable position and plans to use that momentum to gain advantage.
Is the driver’s career under control?
Falling behind often requires calculated risk to gain time, yet pushing too far can backfire. The team recognizes this balance. They aim to win and know competitors Ekström and Loeb have their own paths; both have not triumphed at Dakar, while the third place is not seen as a pathway to victory for them.
Was strategy a key factor?
Leading strictly by strategy would be an exaggeration. A sound strategy matters, but speed, accuracy, consistency, and reliability are equally crucial to success.
Strategy alone does not decide the race
How is pressure managed when every detail could alter the outcome?
This is the shared reality as the team fights for Dakar glory. There are moments of smooth progress and times when challenges arise, just like in previous years. The pressure is constant, and resilience becomes the key asset.
What lessons from the first two years with Audi shape this third attempt?
Each year represents evolution. Early stages inform improvements for the next, and the Dakar program starts anew with the aim of solving reliability and installation questions. The car carries more sensors and power, which means more opportunities for issues amid the desert’s harsh conditions, but this is all part of the ongoing development process. [Citation: Audi team communications]
Is the balance of power after FIA tunings favorable?
The shift is clear. Moving away from last year’s rigidity, the current setup brings more parity across the field, allowing multiple cars to win stages. The added power was the minimum needed to ensure a fair competition that reflects real capabilities.