Sainz predicts “strange” tactical battle in Dakar Rally

Carlos Sainz Sr believes that “techniques might be extra necessary than ever” on this 12 months’s working of the Dakar Rally.

After claiming his fourth victory within the iconic rally raid final 12 months 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 12 months’s occasion held within the Saudi Arabian dunes begins with the Prologue Stage on Friday earlier than the rally correct commences on Saturday.

Time will be gained by driving on already compacted sand, one thing that isn’t potential ought to a driver be first on the stage. With this in thoughts, Sainz expects there may very well be some peculiar goings on previous to the particular levels.

“I believe that techniques might be extra necessary than ever on this Dakar,” he stated.

“Final 12 months we confirmed how techniques and the technique of not opening the monitor within the 48-hours stage was essential, and this 12 months there might be 5 particular levels the place there might be no bikes in entrance [because of their different routes].

“Due to this fact, I believe we may have a considerably tactical Dakar, and that on the primary day we’d 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 aspect of a second spell with Toyota, between 1996-97 and 2000-02, and gained 5 WRC rallies.

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

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

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

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

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

“You do not have help, you do not have anybody, and that is why it is so necessary to get by means 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 just will not have mechanics, that you will be by yourself and it is basic to get by means of it.

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

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