Sainz delivers milestone Dakar win to Audi

Rally legend Carlos Sainz won the Dakar Rally's third stage on Tuesday for Audi.

But the win was a genuine milestone for the German manufacturer as well as in the history of the grueling rally-raid event as it marked the first stage victory for a hybrid-electric car.

The technological feat achieved by Audi's RS Q e-tron prototype was also the 40th career stage win for Sainz, a triple winner of the Dakar.

"Today is an important day, especially after what happened on the first day and if you had told me 12 months ago I would have doubted," Sainz senior told Marca.

"But I am very happy to help the Audi team to achieve this historic victory with so much hard work behind it. They were expecting it and now they are very happy because they were really looking forward to this first win."

©Audi

Needless to say, Ferrari's Carlos Sainz Jr who is watching his father's exploits in Saudi Arabia from afar was particularly proud of his dad's success.

"40 Dakar stage wins but the first one in history with a hybrid electrically powered car for
@CSainz_oficial!" he wrote on social media.

"I know this one is going to feel special for him. A lot of hard work behind the scenes. Congrats!"

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.