'Shaken' champ Sainz out of Dakar after marathon Stage 2
The Straits Times|January 08, 2025
Carlos Sainz Sr's Dakar Rally title defence ended prematurely on Jan 6, when the Spaniard was forced to pull out after the marathon 48-hour stage won by Lithuanian driver Rokas Baciuska.
'Shaken' champ Sainz out of Dakar after marathon Stage 2

Four-time winner Sainz raised the white flag of surrender in the Saudi Arabian desert after limping in Stage 2, his Ford Raptor in no fit state to continue after being flipped on its head the day before.

The 62-year-old and his co-driver had tried in vain to repair their car overnight at the midway point of the 48-hour Chrono.

A post-stage inspection by his team M-Ford deemed the vehicle unfit to continue.

"Damage to the safety bar means he has to quit the Dakar," organisers confirmed.

"It's the end of the adventure for four-time Dakar winner and defending champion Carlos Sainz and his co-driver Lucas Cruz. Goodbye King Carlos."

This story is from the January 08, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.

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This story is from the January 08, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.

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