Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Sainz relaxed ahead of Dakar start

Carlos Sainz has admitted that he is more relaxed in his approach to the Dakar Rally this time around - having finally delivered his first victory in the event 12 months ago

Ahead of the official start of the event on New Year's Day, Sainz is hoping to triumph once again - and is revelling in the fact that the pressure is much less this time around.

"To start the Dakar Rally as defending champion changes one thing above all else: You can go a little more relaxed to the start, since we achieved the big goal of winning the 'Dakar' once already last year," said Sainz about his success earlier in 2010.

"Our approach is, however, identical to 2010: I will follow the same strategy and maintain the respect like then for this extremely challenging rally. I will drive the pace that suits me. It remains to be seen whether it's sufficient for another win and if we have the luck required. The competition is very tough again this year."

Sainz's Volkswagen team is chasing its third straight victory in the endurance classic, which takes place in Argentina and Chile this time.

Volkswagen's Motorsport Director Kris Nissen said: "We approach the Dakar Rally with the very clear goal of taking the third consecutive Volkswagen victory. However, the 'Dakar' is exactly a motorsport legend because it's the greatest challenge in motorsport and always holds surprises in store.

"You can't force luck here and must always plan for the unexpected. It's very clear you must first beat the rally itself to be able to win."

Be part of the Autosport community

Join the conversation
Previous article The top 20 motorsport stories of 2010
Next article Memories of the year: Combining two eras

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe