Sainz predicts “unusual” tactical battle in Dakar Rally

Carlos Sainz Sr believes that “ways will likely be extra vital than ever” on this yr’s operating of the Dakar Rally.

After claiming his fourth victory within the iconic rally raid final yr with Audi, the Spaniard has switched allegiances to Ford this time period because the marque enters its new Raptor developed in collaboration with M-Sport.

This yr’s occasion held within the Saudi Arabian dunes begins with the Prologue Stage on Friday earlier than the rally correct commences on Saturday.

Time could be gained by driving on already compacted sand, one thing that’s not attainable ought to a driver be first on the stage. With this in thoughts, Sainz expects there might be some peculiar goings on previous to the particular levels.

“I believe that ways will likely be extra vital than ever on this Dakar,” he mentioned.

“Final yr we confirmed how ways and the technique of not opening the observe within the 48-hour stage was crucial, and this yr there will likely be 5 particular levels the place there will likely be no bikes in entrance [because of their different routes].

“Subsequently, I believe we could have a considerably tactical Dakar, and that on the primary day, we would see issues which are a bit unusual.”

The Raptor’s Dakar debut follows a maiden competitors outing on the Rallye du Maroc in October, which marked the resumption of Sainz’s prolonged relationship with M-Sport.

The double World Rally champion Sainz had two earlier stints with Ford both facet of a second spell with Toyota, between 1996-97 and 2000-02, and gained 5 WRC rallies.

“We’ve got to attend and see how we go on this race,” assessed Sainz. “It’s true that the debut within the Rally of Morocco was constructive, however we’ve to attend a bit.

“[M-Sport boss] Malcolm Wilson I already knew and it was a bit like coming dwelling, and in that sense, there have been no surprises.

“We’ve got labored nicely all year long and we’ve to attend and see what the beginning of the race brings.”

Sainz anticipates that the hardest check will come on Stage 2, with almost 1000 kilometres of operating throughout 5-6 January.

“Within the 48-hour stage, one thing goes to occur, 100%,” mentioned Sainz.

“You do not have help, you do not have anybody, and that is why it is so vital to get by way of the kilometres with out issues, and above all to achieve the primary half and the top of the particular with out issues, as a result of you already know that you simply will not have mechanics, that you will be by yourself and it is elementary to get by way of it.

“It is also very early within the race, and when you’ve got a brand new challenge like ours, possibly you allow with a bit extra concern.”

Sainz will likely be joined in Ford’s Dakar roster by fellow former Audi driver Mattias Ekstrom and 2014 winner Nani Roma.