Sainz hails 'fantastic' Monte Carlo experience

©Renault

Carlos Sainz fulfilled a lifelong dream on Sunday when he tackled the Rally de Monte Carlo's final stage, labeling the experience as "fantastic".

The Renault F1 driver was entrusted with a specially prepared Mégane R.S. course car to take on the event's ultimate 13.58km special stage on the backroads above Monaco.

Sainz put his family genes to good use , mastering the snowy, icy conditions with the skill one would expect from the son of world rally champion.

Carlos Sainz Sr won the Rallye de Monte-Carlo three times, in 1991, 1995 and 1998 and the World Rally Championship drivers’ title in 1990 and 1992.

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"That was very special," said the 23-year-old Renault driver.

"I have dreamt about doing this a lot of times in my life and now thanks to Renault it has come true. I have always wanted to do a rally with a co-driver, pace notes and a good pace and I loved it.

"The car was really good. It had different modes of driving that I was testing to get fully comfortable. You had the race mode, sport mode and a bit of traction control that you could adjust.

"The steering was very accurate and suspension was stiff for the twisty sections so I was really enjoying it a lot. It was a fantastic experience - quite slippery in places to give the full Monte Carlo experience!

"My dad just told me to take it carefully, but I had a lot of fun. Thanks to everyone for the opportunity."

Sainz Sr was delighted his son was offered an opportunity to enjoy a competitive run on a special stage of rally's blue-ribbon event.

"I'm very happy that Carlos has experienced a taste of such a legendary rally," added Sainz Sr.

"Monte Carlo was, and still is, a very special race for all motorsport fans. Carlos has driven rally cars before, but experiencing the roads of this particular event is different.

"I gave him a couple of tips, but the most important one was 'enjoy'."

Renault has a long history of competition in Rallye Monte-Carlo. A privately-entered Renault won the 1925 edition of the rally and a Renault Nervasport took victory in the 1935 event.

Jean Ragnotti was victorious in the 1981 rally with the Renault 5 Turbo, while 2018 marks the 60th anniversary of the 1958 win with a Dauphine spéciale driven by Jacques Féret and Guy Monraisse.

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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.