Sainz forced out of Dakar Rally due to damaged car

Carlos Sainz Sr. Will no longer participate in the 2025 edition of the Dakar Rally after heavily damaging his Ford Raptor during the 48 Hour Stage 2.

Sainz’s car rolled and landed on its roof after a 327km lap in Sunday’s testing near Bisha in Saudi Arabia. Although the Spaniard was able to return to the bivouac on Monday and finish the stage, the FIA ​​examined his car later in the evening to determine whether he could take part in the remainder of the event.

After investigation, the technical stewards decided that Sainz could not continue due to damage to the roll cage structure of the car.

Any deformation beyond the limits prescribed by the regulations can again lead to serious consequences in the event of an accident – ​​and the structure may not be safe enough to protect the driver and co-driver inside the cabin.

According to regulations, no repairs can be made to that part, and Ford issued a statement confirming the reason for the recall:

“Due to damage to the safety cage of vehicle #225 (Carlos Sainz and lucas cruz“During the accident in the first half of the 48-hour stage of the Dakar Rally 2025, and in accordance with FIA regulations, the decision has been taken to withdraw the vehicle,” it said.

The retirement brought a premature end to Sainz’s first Dakar partnership with newcomer Ford. The four-time Dakar winner had already dropped stage winner Rokus Basiewska (Overdrive Toyota) an hour and a half before the rally exit and thought his chances of victory were gone.

The DNF, along with Sainz’s teammate, is a major blow for Ford in its first full factory appearance at Dakar Nani Roma Already out of contention on Monday due to engine problems.

However, Roma will be able to resume the rally in Stage 3 on Tuesday after making necessary repairs to his Ford Raptor.

The American manufacturer’s best sprinter is now Mattias Ekstrom, who is in fifth place and 13 minutes behind the overall leader. henk letgan Toyota’s.