Sainz predicts “strange” tactical battle at Dakar Rally

Carlos Sainz Sr believes that “strategy will be more important than ever” in this year’s Dakar Rally event.

After claiming his fourth victory in the prestigious Rally Raid with Audi last year, the Spaniard has switched allegiance to Ford this time as the marque. Enters its new Raptor developed in collaboration with M-Sport,

Held in the dunes of Saudi Arabia, this year’s event begins with a prologue stage on Friday before the rally begins on Saturday.

While time can be earned by driving on sand that is already compacted, it is not possible for the driver to reach the platform first. With this in mind, Sainz expects some unique events to take place ahead of the special stages.

“I think strategy will be more important than ever at this Dakar,” he said.

“Last year we showed how important the strategy and tactics of not opening the track in the 48-hour stage were, and this year there will be five special stages where there will be no bikes at the front (due to their different routes).

“So, I think we’ll have somewhat of a tactical duck, and on the first day we may see some strange things.”

The Raptor’s Dakar debut followed its competition debut at the Rally du Maroc in October, marking the resumption of Sainz’s long relationship with M-Sport.

Double World Rally Champion Sainz won five WRC rallies between 1996–97 and 2000–02, the last two stints with Ford and the second with Toyota.

“We will have to wait and see how we go in this race,” Sainz assessed. “It is true that the start to the Moroccan rally was positive, but we have to wait a bit.

“I already knew (M-Sport boss) Malcolm Wilson and it was like coming home, and in that respect, no surprise.

“We have done a good job all year and we will have to wait and see what the start of the race brings.”

Sainz estimates that the toughest test will come on Stage 2, which will feature nearly 1000 kilometers of racing during January 5-6.

“In the 48-hour phase, 100% something is going to happen,” Saenz said.

“You have no support, you have no one, and that is why it is very important to go the kilometers without any problems, and above all to reach the first part and the end of the special without any problems, because you know That you will not have mechanics, that you will be on your own and it is fundamental to overcome this.

“It’s also the beginning of the race, and when you have a new project like ours, you probably go in with a little more anxiety.”

Sainz will join fellow former Audi driver Mattias Ekström and 2014 winner Nani Roma on Ford’s Dakar roster.