Dakar 2020: Carlos Sainz, upon arrival: “I do not cheat anyone, I do not go to the Dakar to sunbathe”

“I have earned the right to decide my future,” said the Madrid driver, who was received by hundreds of fans including his son Carlos and the rest of his family

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Among the hundreds of fans who went to the Adolfo Surez-Barajas airport to receive Carlos Sainz was, of course, his son, who did not stop hugging him again and again. The McLaren rider was the first to squeeze the already three-time Dakar. It was one of the most emotional moments of the press conference organized by Red Bull, as a tribute to the most veteran champion of the mystic rally (57 years). There was also the rest of the 'Matador' family, who await their decision for the future. “I have earned the right to decide my future,” added.

At the wheel of the Mini, Carlos Sainz was able to get rid of the problems experienced in the previous edition. “I have prepared a lot for this race, more than in recent years. It did not look good after last year's Dakar, in which we were not so competitive. But we tried to improve the car and the car worked perfectly,” he explained. a press conference organized by Red Bull, one of its sponsors.

Sainz highlighted this victory the fight with Nasser Al-Attiyah Y Stphane peterhansel, with whom he starred in “a battle to three”. “The manteo of the last day was very beautiful. That reflects respect on the part of the three drivers we were fighting for the win. The three drivers and the three co-drivers lived the risk; the feeling at that time, with the three drivers together, is to recognize that we have played a lot. It was very nice the gesture of the manteo in that final stretch. We know what we have played and how we have played it. I understand that gesture and it is appreciated, “he said.

Of the victory achieved in Saudi Arabia, the third for him, Carlos Sainz stressed that he achieved it “with a different brand“.” It makes me special to have won with Volkswagen, Peugeot and Mini. I think Lucas Cruz (his co-pilot) and I put a lot of effort into the car development part and winning with a third brand makes me very excited, “he said.

Asked about his plans for the future, Carlos Sainz said he would make a decision “with more peace of mind.” “I have earned the right to have my decision respected, be it one way or the other. I would like people who criticize me to keep running at my age, think about it and respect my decision. I don't cheat anyone. No I go to the Dakar sunbathing, “he sentenced.