Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz (Audi RS Q e-tron) have taken a very important step today to achieve what would be their fourth Tuareg. In one of the most feared and complicated stages of this edition, the Spanish riders have made a perfect day without problems and errors that will allow them to face tomorrow’s final stage with complete peace of mind to claim the final victory in one of the most complicated and competitive Dakars.

The main rival for the final victory, Sebastien Loeb (Bahrain), suffered problems today and lost an hour and a half, so Carlos and Lucas are now one hour and 27 minutes ahead of second-placed Guillaume De Mevius (Overdrive) in the standings with the twelfth and final stage to go. Today’s victory went to Guerlain Chicherit (Overdrive), with Carlos Sainz in third place, 5.35 minutes behind.

Carlos Sainz:” “It was a tough stage, but after seeing Seb we went very slowly. There were a lot of rocks, so you spend your time looking just in front of the car and driving cautiously. We had a slow puncture near the finish, but we were lucky, because even if you ride carefully, sometimes you get a puncture. There are 170 kilometers to go and I know, especially on this rally, that you have to get to the finish to be able to claim victory. That’s what we’re going to try to do. We’re going to give the car a good overhaul because the stage has been very hard”..

Tomorrow’s stage
Stage 12: Yanbu > Yanbu Yanbu Link > 153 km – Special > 175 km

The last special stage is not very difficult, but the Dakar is not won until the last meter is crossed. They will be 144 that will take the riders to the final finish line of the Dakar 2024.