Sainz Sr. down but not out after early Dakar drama

©ASO/Dakar/DPPI

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©ASO/Dakar/DPPI

Carlos Sainz Sr’s bid to add a fifth Dakar triumph to his outstanding tally of wins suffered a big setback last weekend.

In the second day of this year’s legendary off-road event, which included a grueling 947 km chrono stage spread over 48 hours, Sainz rolled his Ford Raptor at the 325 km mark.

While the Spaniard’s car was severely damaged and left Sainz and co-pilot Lucas Cruz stranded in the Saudi desert, the pair was able to set off again after receiving assistance from their teammate Mitch Guthrie Jr.

©ASO/Dakar/DPPI

Sainz was able to join Bivouac E in 25th place, almost an hour adrift from pace setter Yazeed Al-Rajhi of Overdrive Toyota, where Ford’s crew undertook the necessary repairs to allow the Raptor to resume its efforts on Monday morning in the second half of Stage 2.

“Today has been quite a complicated stage,” Sainz said on Sunday evening.

“After rolling over on a cut dune, we were able to continue thanks to the help of our team-mate Mitchell, but then we had more problems.

“The car was overheating, we couldn't see well because of the broken glass and we punctured. The day went from bad to worse.”

Still, El Matador survived to fight another day.

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.