Carlos Sainz aims high for the 2026 Dakar
The experienced Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, two-time world rally champion and four-time Dakar champion, is optimistic about the next edition of the demanding competition in Saudi Arabia. With his Ford Raptor T1+, Sainz feels he is in an “ideal moment to aspire to everything”. Sainz, along with his co-driver Lucas Cruz, presented his expectations for the 2026 Dakar Rally, which will be held from January 3 to 17, marking his eighteenth participation in the event. The event took place in Madrid, where the driver shared his feelings.The Madrid driver highlighted the competitiveness of the 2026 edition, with the presence of experienced drivers and young talents fighting for the title. Sainz also spoke about the technical improvements implemented in his Ford Raptor T1+, emphasizing the “redistribution” of the vehicle’s weight and the evolution of the suspension. The Dakar Rally 2026 will be held for the seventh consecutive time in the dunes of Saudi Arabia, with a route of 8,000 kilometers. The edition will include two marathon stages.“We arrive at the Dakar 2026 with more confidence, we know the car better and with many kilometers of testing and competition. Technical reliability is basic in the Dakar, but also performance on all types of terrain. I think we are at an ideal moment to aspire to everything,” Sainz pointed out.
Carlos Sainz
