At 61, Carlos Sainz is the oldest driver to win the Dakar Rally – The Spaniard is “incredible for his age “
Audi celebrates its first victory in the Dakar Rally at the third attempt – also thanks to Carlos Sainz. At 61 years old, the two-time World Rally Champion and now four-time Dakar winner is the oldest driver to enter the list of winners of the cross-country rally. “This guy is incredible for his age and, if he wants to, he can win many more Dakar victories,” says Sven Quandt with conviction.
The Q Motorsport boss, who implemented the Dakar project together with Audi, has known the Spaniard for many years. “Carlos [Sainz] called me before Christmas and explained that he had received the results of his physical tests,” reveals Quandt.
“It turned out to be the test with the best results of his life. I could hear the joy in his voice,” says the experienced rally professional, who once took part in the Dakar himself. He appreciates the Spaniard’s experience, but also his character
Sainz “is old, but at the top of his game “
“When he arrived at the bivouac, he was very positive and that infected the whole team,” reports Quandt. “Of course he’s old, but he’s still at the top of his game.” Sainz made a significant contribution to Audi finally clinching overall victory at the third attempt.
Quandt also has to admit this when asked about the key factors: “The first key is that Sainz is always competing with himself. He always demands the maximum from himself, he is very hard on himself, just as demanding as he is on the rest of the team. His fighting spirit, which always goes to the end, has led him to his fourth Dakar victory. “
In addition, Quandt and Sainz are old acquaintances. The Spaniard celebrated his last Dakar victory in 2020 in the Mini JCW Buggy from X-raid, the team that Quandt himself founded in 2002. “We have known each other for a very long time and mutual trust is another key to this success. “
Audi makes history at the Dakar Rally
Audi’s maiden victory in the world’s toughest rally came just in time, as the Ingolstadt-based company will withdraw from rallying next year to focus on its Formula 1 entry in 2026.
The special feature is that the Audi RS Q e-tron, a low-emission prototype with an electric drive, high-voltage battery and energy converter, was sent to the world’s toughest desert rally, while the competition relies on classic combustion engines, albeit with partially sustainable fuels.
“We have made history, winning ahead of other conventional vehicles with this concept is something very special,” says a delighted Quandt. “It shows that you can stay ahead with alternative technologies. “
And: “We have a completely new team, which essentially consists of Audi, because everyone else has gone to the Formula 1 team,” Quandt told Cross-Country Rally, alluding to the changes brought about by the upcoming Formula 1 commitment. “We’ve had to build a team spirit over the last nine months and it’s been amazing, as you can see.”
“It’s very, very good teamwork here in the camp, and it’s incredible teamwork with the drivers,” said Quandt, who spoke of “highs and lows”. “Everyone, including the co-drivers, helped to get Carlos to the finish. “
