The 4th edition of the Dakar Classic has been won by a Spaniard by the name of Carlos. Not Sainz, but Santaolalla Milla, a fierce competitor like ‘El Matador’ and one who has been chasing victory for three editions.
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Not many observers were ready to bet on a happy end for Audi’s adventure on the Dakar. When it decided in 2022 to embark on the daring gamble of leading a hybrid vehicle to success, the German constructor made a strong impact by hiring Stéphane Peterhansel, Carlos Sainz and Mattias Ekström
It was an edition to forget for all the KTMs, broadly speaking. Since 2020, KTM has always put one of its riders on the podium, which means this year’s performance is a blow for the constructor. What’s more, it is the first time since 1993 that no European constructors are on the final podium.
Time to check out the dirty, grubby, oily, happy faces from Stage 10 of the Dakar 2024 race.
As the 2024 Dakar wraps, its time for the podium celebrations!
The terrain proves decisive! With more than 4,700 kilometres of specials over two weeks of racing, it is still possible to predict where the victory will be won. The dunes of the Empty Quarter definitely played an important role, while the volcanic stones on the first stage also played a part.
In the diverse and testing landscapes of the Dakar Rally, where every rise and fall of the terrain hides a peculiar navigational puzzle, the co-driver’s role emerges as a critical dance of precision and foresight.
Fresh memories never lie. Seeing the loop carved out near AlUla, starting and finishing at the bivouac where everyone had gathered less than two weeks ago, it was a given that this special was going to be a wild ride.
The expedition back to AlUla has surely brought back some memories. However, it was not a return to square one, because the situation has evolved considerably since the prologue.
Today, the rally headed to Ha’il, the cradle of all-terrain sport in Saudi Arabia, where the first generations of the country’s riders and drivers learned their trade, setting out on the seventh stage from Al Duwadimi. The day’s special was interrupted by a long transfer and the two-part menu for the stage put the riders, drivers and crews in two contrasting environments.