Spanish driver Carlos Sainz has made history by winning his fourth Dakar Rally. The 61-year-old driver, along with his co-driver, Lucas Cruz, became the first driver win the Saudi desert rally with a hybrid vehicle.
👨👦
👋 @CSainz_oficial x @Carlossainz55 #Dakar2024 https://t.co/xopaVTqFmM— DAKAR RALLY (@dakar) January 19, 2024
With this victory, the Spaniard is the only driver to win the Dakar rally with four different manufacturers. On this occasion, he was behind the wheel of an Audi. Previously, he won with the Volkswagen, Peugeot and Mini teams.
The four-time Dakar Rally champion had Sebastien Loeb as his biggest rival for weeks. Known as "el Matador," Sainz equals the legendary Ari Vatanen with four victories in Dakar.
#Dakar2024 WINNERS!@LucasCruz74 @audisport pic.twitter.com/tNXBBHYp4Q
— Carlos Sainz (@CSainz_oficial) January 19, 2024
The Spanish champion, born in Madrid, is already enjoying the victory in the company of his son, Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr., who traveled to Saudi Arabia to accompany his father in the historic victory.
Carlos Sainz grand vainqueur du Dakar 2024, a été accueilli et félicité par son fils à l'arrivée 👏#Dakar2024 pic.twitter.com/VbhAeUgikk
— la chaine L'Équipe (@lachainelequipe) January 19, 2024
Honoring Carles Falcón, Spanish motorcyclist who died in the rally
In tragic news, the 46th edition of the Dakar Rally (formerly Paris-Dakar) saw the death of the Spanish motorcyclist Carles Falcón, who passed away at the age of 45 after a fall in the race more than a week ago. The information was confirmed by the race organizers. He was 45 years old. Sainz made a post on X (formerly Twitter) in memory of his deceased countryman.
Descansa en paz Carles. 🙏🏻
Toda mi fuerza para sus familiares y amigos. pic.twitter.com/aHNQvF6u7k— Carlos Sainz (@CSainz_oficial) January 15, 2024
American Ricky Brabec wins his second Dakar in motorcycles
American Ricky Brabec won his second Dakar Rally on Friday at the end of the 12th and last stage in Yanbu (Saudi Arabia).
The 32-year-old rider, riding a Honda motorcycle, beat Ross Branch (Hero) of Botswana by 10 minutes and 53 seconds and Frenchman Adrien Van Beveren (Honda) by 12 minutes and 25 seconds, his first Dakar podium finish at the age of 33.
