Carlos Sainz Aims for Historic Fifth Dakar Rally Win with New Team

The 62-year-old veteran, now driving for Ford, prepares to defend his title in Saudi Arabia's grueling 8,000-kilometer race.

Carlos Sainz, the oldest Dakar Rally champion at 62, seeks to become the first driver to win with five different manufacturers, now racing for Ford after Audi's departure.
The 2025 Dakar Rally spans 8,000 kilometers across Saudi Arabia, featuring challenging stages like a two-day marathon in the Empty Quarter desert without team support.
Sainz, a four-time Dakar winner, has emphasized his physical preparation and aims to enjoy the race while vying for another victory with his new Ford Raptor car.
Key competitors include Qatar's Nasser Al-Attiyah and France's Sébastien Loeb, both driving for the new Dacia Sandriders team, while 14-time champion Stéphane Peterhansel has retired.
The event, now part of Saudi Arabia's broader push into global sports, has attracted 778 participants from 72 countries, competing in cars, bikes, quads, and trucks.