‘El Matador’ Sainz takes historic Dakar Rally win

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Mark Twain once said that age is a case of mind over matter; if you don't mind it, it doesn't matter!

At 61, rally legend Carlos Sainz embodied those words upon winning on Friday in Saudi Arabia his fourth Dakar rally raid, becoming the oldest winner of the gruelling race, while also delivering to Audi its first Dakar title with the help of expert navigator Lucas Cruz.

The two-time world rally champion known as 'El Matador' had led the adventurous event since Stage 6, but with fellow rally legend Sebastien Loeb inching closer this week and breathing down his neck, Sainz’s relief came when the Frenchman was stranded in the desert for over an hour in Thursday’s penultimate stage.

Loeb’s setback allowed Sainz to enjoy a leisurely final day and drive to the finish line on Friday.

Belgium’s Guillaume de Mevius took advantage of the mechanical troubles that befell Sainz’s teammate Mattias Ekstrom to finish runner-up while Loeb were forced to settle for the final spot on the podium.

¡Bien hecho, señor!

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.