The Dakar Car Rally has just concluded, and the visuals are incredible. Audi has finally put their name on the coveted title after failing on a previous couple of occasions. The brand attempted to win the race in 2022 and 2023 but came out way behind the victory line. However, this year it was different. Driving the car for Audi was the legendary Carlos Sainz Sr. With Sainz Sr. at the helm, his car almost cruised throughout the race to clinch a memorable victory for both.

While it was the first time Audi tasted the sweet success, Sainz Sr. registered his fourth overall win in the tournament. So, how did the entire race pan out for the brand? Let us dig deeper and find out for ourselves below.

Carlos Sainz Sr. and Audi combine for a racing masterclass

Carlos Sainz Sr. was driving the 671hp, purpose-built RS Q e-tron with his co-rider, Lucas Cruz, by his side. Displaying his impeccable driving skills, Sainz Sr. was as sound as ever. He was one of the most consistent drivers of the race, while most of his peers faced significant challenges keeping their cars on track. While Audi fielded a three-way team with Peterhansel and Mattias Ekstrom being the other two riders, they had substantial difficulties with their vehicles. Eventually, both of them went out of contention much before the end of the race.

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However, both the drivers stayed back and cheered their teammate as Sainz Sr. pushed for the victory. The 61-year-old did not have a walk in the park, though. At one point in the race, Sebastien Loeb of Prodrive came close to overtaking Sainz Sr. with a difference of mere minutes. Fortunately for Audi, their icon did not lose focus and continued moving forward. The strategy ultimately paid off as Loeb suffered significant problems with his car, which bridged the gap between the two by almost ninety minutes, awarding Sainz Sr. and Audi the victory. 

The victory meant a lot to Audi as they aspired to this day three years back. Ultimately, the brand did manage to conquer the Dakar Rally with the help of an electrified powertrain. However, it was not only about Audi. Carlos Sainz Sr. had a significant amount of history coming his way. 

Carlos Sainz Sr. shines bright amidst Audi’s maiden triumph

It was not only Carlos Sainz Sr.’s fourth Dakar triumph, but he also had a unique achievement to flaunt. With this victory, Sainz Sr. has won the tournament driving for four brands. His previous wins came in 2010, 2018, and 2020 with Volkswagen, Peugeot, and Mini. The 2x World Rally champion also became the eldest driver to clinch victory at 61.

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Such a spectacular performance came when the 61-year-old driver failed to win stages in any of the 12 races over two weeks. His fourth victory makes him move to joint-third in the all-time list, with Stephane Peterhansel and Nasser Al-Attiyah ahead of him.

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