Carlos Sainz sr won Dakar Rally 2018
In cross-country rallying, there is probably no harder event then the Dakar Rally. The first thing to mention is that it’s still called the Dakar Rally even though it hasn’t been driven in Africa for years. The current South American edition is great but I must admit that I greatly miss Africa and the authentic spirit of Sahara desert. However, the show must go on and actors are to take a challenge on any stage chosen by organizers. Some may say that this event has become something like an industrial entertainment for rich people but it still has that haunting call on every adrenaline addicted, either adventurer or professional driver.
Rallying hasn’t been much popular in the mainstream media for years now. I am an occasional rally driver and I know how challenging is to find a sponsorship. For participating in the Dakar rally, one needs a lavish sponsor. Some of my friends participated in the Dakar Rally (both editions: African and South American) and they all point out that the costs are enormous.
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If you'd like to take part in this rally, first of all, you must have an international FIA license. For to get it, you must have previous experience in rallying. Then, go and download the regulations. They have 159 pages. One must understand it very well. It is essential for a quick reaction in unknown situations. To take action is usually co-driver’s burden, but from my experience, it’s good for a driver to know everything.
Entry fee is something like 28 000€ without a cover for death insurance. It is one of the possible outcomes, one needs to accept. Not crybabies school trip for sure. The next thing on your list is to secure a service truck. You can share it with other competitors. That way you can all save expenses. The entry fee for that truck is 10 000€. One also needs to pay the mechanic crew who also get a piece of the cake you brought along. I was talking about entry fee for the race cars. Entry fees for motorbikes are cheaper but I am not into riding Dakar rally with a motorcycle. Since the best things in life are free, you can still eat and sleep in bivouac, free of charge.
So, how does one bring a race car to South America if one is, let’s say, located in Europe?!
First, you must bring it to the port of Le Havre in France and face the fact that French pretend not to speak English. (That is where you will have the first scrutineering of your vehicle done.) The ferry boat takes the car to the Port de Callao in Lima. I know some guys who drove to Le Havre. Meaning, they were driving their expensive and delicate rally cars for thousands of kilometres on highways, just to reduce the costs. If you don’t want to take a joyride to Le Havre, you must rent a trailer which has to be brought back afterwards. When this is done, you are already crazy and you haven’t even started your rally.
After you've sorted that all out in the least painful way and moved on, when your car arrives in Lima, it must pass administrative checks and another round of scrutineering. Your hot wheels must be prepared for the rally under the local homologation rules. Homologation book must be kept in your car at all times during these checks and the rally.
Let’s take a moment to compare participation in the rally by car vs by motorbike. It’s much easier for motorbikes. You can rent it for around 20 000€. Of course, that’s the cost without necessary service and fuel budget of appx. 20 000€. So, we are already at 40 000€ but just before we have to cash out another 20 000€ for the entry fee. Then, there is also the cost of the aeroplane tickets waiting in line plus your personal expenses budget. It totals around 70 000€.
If you don't feel dizzy by now, you have to know that if you are competing with a rented car, your sponsor will have to be way more generous. Let’s say that the rented car budget totals around 200 000€. If he's got to cash out this money for you, you've probably told him not to worry because you are winning for sure. If this happens not to be the case, the only thing you'll have left is the experience and nostalgic remembrance. It is very unlikely that anything will remain in your pocket. :)
So once you've paid your entry fee instead of a mansion in Philippine's paradise Laguna, your car has passed administrative and regulative matters and you can start the darn rally. But, then it all comes back to your mind. It’s not just any kind of rally. It’s the Dakar Rally – hardest and the most prestigious rally in the world. Unfortunately, it is already too late for that mansion.
For driving about 10 hours every day better be mentally and physically 100% fit Also, at least basic knowledge of car mechanics will come handy. If something goes wrong with the vehicle, you might find a solution way before your service crew arrives to give you a hand. After a weekend of rallying in the national championship, one already feels exhausted and needs a few days to recover. In this rally, one drives day after day for two weeks.
Why do I care to say this?
Someone stubborn enough who wants to participate must be clear about the strength and sacrifices needed. One cannot be troubled by money issues while driving. ‘What if I crash my rented ‘beast’ and will I be able to pay the repair costs and penalties?’. Such mindset can’t have a place in this event. Pure and unrestrained driving is the only thing he/she should bear in mind. Yep, it’s hard to be a privateer. And it’s dearly hard to drive without a real budget. But you have chosen to participate because there are octanes flowing thru your veins instead of blood, anyway.
I soon found out that helping each other is the most important side thing on Dakar Rally. My mate helped Jeff Gordon a few years ago by pulling him to the service zone - for 15 miles! And the only reward was a big hug and a huge THANK YOU!
Now let’s talk about the rewards, presuming you were lucky enough to finish on top of the leaderboard of your class. The prize list is a little light for the hardest rally in the world. The regulations state:
1st place - 5000€ + 1 trophy
2nd place - 3000€ + 1 trophy
3rd place - 2000€ + 1 trophy.
What the heck?! Yeah, that’s it! You risk your own life for two weeks for the 5000€ prize at maximum. I've been rallying since 2001 and am aware that there are no prizes in national championships, except for the trophies and champagne, of course. So, nothing new here but if we compare Dakar to F1 prizes, it is easy to realize that rallying really went downward for the last 15 years. Everything is done for the fame and hope that some kids will like you while dreaming of the shaking wheel. But, once you've become a legend, the feeling remains priceless, I believe.
Now back to the rally. This year’s edition had three countries in the itinerary: Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina.
The start was in Lima (Peru) with the finish line in Cordoba (Argentina).
From the start, it was obvious that Peugeot, as a big factory team, had the biggest chances of winning because they invested at least 100 million $ in the development of the cars and in the driver's perfection training. Peugeot drivers are very well known in the world of rallying: Stephane Peterhansel, Carlos Sainz sr, Sebastien Loeb and Cyril Despres.
The second biggest team in this year’s Dakar was Toyota. Their drivers are Nasser Al-Attiyah, Giniel de Villiers, Peter van Merksteijn and lots of guys who rented the Toyota cars.
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The Mini team also had some very well known drivers such as Mikko Hirvonen, Orlando Terranova, Yazeed Al Rajhi and the renters.
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Before the rally start, organizer banned rally maps, mobile phones, tablets, personal computers for the big teams. Only private entrants were allowed to use them.
Lots of people expected Sebastien Loeb would finally win the Dakar Rally but alas! it didn’t happen. He crashed and his co-driver Daniel Elena had some bad fractures after the crash. It’s even doubtful he will start on Rally Mexico in March 2018. in the right seat along with Loeb. Let’s hope for the best and Daniel's soon comeback.
After Loeb’s shunt, the biggest fight was between Peterhansel, Sainz sr and Nasser Al-Attiyah. So we had two Peugeots and one Toyota in the fight for the throne. Let’s say that small mishap decided but as we know, the devil is always in the details.
Peterhansel had some technical issues and that gave Sainz sr wind in the back. One couldn’t miss noticing that Al-Attiyah’s Toyota wasn’t at the same level as Peugeots.
After all the tension and drama, the big fight between Sainz sr and Peterhansel decided the winner. Peterhansel went off and lost some time to finish 4th overall, while Al-Attiyah, knowing that his car is not on the same level as Peugeots used the clever tactics to finish 2nd, just behind Sainz sr. Toyota’s regular Giniel de Villiers finished 3rd overall.
And there you go, on the podium, we had one Peugeot as a winner and two Toyotas as a follow-up. I must admit the biggest surprise for me was the Polish driver and the best Mini finisher Jakub Przygonski with his steady progress taking the excellent 5th position.
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Another surprise was the result of Khalid Al Qassimi, who finished in the 6th place, driving a private Peugeot rented from Citroen/Peugeot ‘sister’ team PH-Sport.
Regular WRC driver until 2016 and ex-JWRC champion Martin Prokop finished 7th in his private Ford. Last three positions in the top 10 were taken by the private Toyota drivers: Peter van Merksteijn, Sebastian Halpern, and Lucio Alvarez.
Final results (top 5, cars):
1 Carlos Sainz sr (Peugeot) 49h16m18s
2 Nasser Al-Attiyah (Toyota) +43m40s
3 Giniel de Villiers (Toyota) +1h16m41s
4 Stephane Peterhansel (Peugeot) +1h25m29s
5 Jakub Przygonski (Mini) +2h45m24s
Now what to say after the 40th edition of Dakar Rally?!
Most of the drivers will come back next year and risk their own life again just to take a part in this risky and dangerous but amazing and legendary rally.
It is also important to say that it was the last rally for Peugeot works squad because they announced that they will be more active in the World RX from now on. (RX is rallycross)
And yes, maybe it was the final Dakar Rally for this year’s winner Carlos Sainz sr. As he said, there is no offer on the table for the next year's Dakar at the moment. But we hardly ever know what is ahead of us in the future so there is always a chance. The hope never dies.
What we do know is that this week new World Rally Championship season starts with legendary Monte Carlo Rallye. We expect a lot of adrenaline and improved video/internet coverages.
Let the best win – as always!!!
Authored by: @ssekulji
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So sick, what a race
It's a beautiful rally. And the hardest at the same time. Every day ten hours of driving (at least ten hours)... ;)
A deserving one. Great for El Matador. Fautless run for all the rally. I was rooting for Toyota team, shame that they didn't win, nonetheless double podium is a great result. Bad luck for Loeb, who had to retire after Daniel Elena's injury.
With Peugeot gone from Dakar since 2019, Toyota looks like a main contender for the win next year.
Second half of the rally shocked me a bit. I thought, that after desert stages in Peru it all looks all decided, but it's the second part, which turned around everything. Peterhansel lost lead, and then podium, ten Brinke retired on the penultimate stage (what a drama).
Terrible rally for whole X-Raid team. New RWD Mini-Buggy proved to be uncompetitive. Hirvonen was running pretty down the order for the whole rally - disappointment of the rally by far. Roma retired too early, Terranova also wasn't in contention for high places. Thankfully, my nationmate Kuba Przygonski saved the honor for Mini - fifth place. Well done!
This year's Dakar was much better than 2017's edition. Desert stages returned finally to Dakar Rally, and it all looked much more sensible.
I must agree with you. Nasser Al-Attiyah could win again next year. It all depends on the choice of the team for he will drive in 2019. Nasser didn't have a chance against 'big budget Peugeot boys', he knew it from the start. But he tried and finished good - 2nd. In reality Peterhansel, without so much risk, would finish 2nd and then 3rd would be also nice result for the small team of Toyota. You have nice knowledge about rallying! :)
Hello,
Do you guys promote other authors posts? For a fee of course.
Hi Dakar rally Is a great competition, I would like you to follow me and have my post thanks ;)
One worth. Great for the matador. Run Votnot for all March. I was rooting for the Toyota team, shame they didn't win, and yet the double platform is a great result. Misfortune of Lupe, who had to retire after Daniel Elena's injury.
With Peugeot gone from Dakar since 2019, Toyota looks like a major competitor to win next year.
The second half of the march shocked me a little. I thought that after the desert stages in Peru It seems everything decided, but that's the second part, which is about everything. Peterborough lost the lead, and then the podium, retired ten Breden in the penultimate stage (what drama).
A terrible march for the entire X-red team. The new small SUV has proved to be uncompetitive. Herfunen was running pretty down the arrangement for the whole height--disappointment of elevation yet. The Roma retired very early, nor was Terranova in disagreement over high places. Fortunately, my natuminate Kappa Perzygoński has saved the honour of Minnie-fifth place. Well done!
Dakar this year was much better than the 2017 edition. The phases of the Sahara have finally returned to the Dakar Rally, all of which have begun to be much more reasonable.
upvote
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The victories achieved by Kevin Benavides in the bike race, Ignacio Casale in the quad category, Giniel de Villiers in the car race and Ton van Genugten in the truck category did not affect the positions at the top of the rally’s hierarchy. Matthias Walkner became the first Austrian winner on a bike, with Austrian brand KTM continuing to dominate the event thanks to a 17th consecutive success. For its last participation, Peugeot also retained the title, but this time only one of their cars was on the podium, namely the 3008 Maxi driven by winner Carlos Sainz. Under threat until the day before the finish from Federico Villagra, in the end Eduard Nikolaev obtained a third title behind the wheel of his Kamaz. As for Chilean Ignacio Casale, to win his 2nd Dakar he dominated the general standings from start to finish.
In total, 185 vehicles completed the 40th edition: 85 bikes, 32 quads, 49 cars including 6 SxS and 19 trucks, meaning 55% of the competitors that set out from Lima two weeks ago reached the finish
You have nice statistics here and I like it! It's not an easy rally and 55% of competitors at the finish is a nice number. And Giniel didn't win it, it was Carlos Sainz sr who won it. :)
great pictures and what an informative, interesting post!
i'd love to hear more stories about rallying...
Well deserved imo!
Congratulations on becoming champion, and hopefully continue to be the champion who participated
wow...what a great and wonderful post..wow...
upvoted and resteem done
Very cool
You also have some nice pictures at this article :)
Alot of skill involved in driving those rally cars..
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@adsactly is everywhere you. He's just an awesome personality
Dakar rally Is a great competition widely followed. Thanks for sharing
Yeah, I thought they will become minor after move to South America but they didn't. It's all about organization behind it. :)
Congrats carlos.. A well deserved victory indeed..
He is a real master of cross-country rallying. But it wasn't that hard with such a team as a Peugeot. :)
That is a very nice post.I always follow your post.@upvoted
Your post about the rally is very encouraging.I love your post always.@upvote
I love your post
Dakar Rally 2018 was amazing, participants of my country did great! Everyone says that it was the hardest rally of all time, but our guys had fun and didn't saw anything hard! Always great to hear that!
They were very brave! What to say else then to congratulate them!
lucky guy, great sport, but can be risky at times.
It's very risky and really dangerous. It's easy to watch it on TV but when you sit behind a wheel, it's not an easy stuff to drive 160km/h through desert. :)
Your post will reach to trending soon because your article has the power to attract sports lover :) Amazing article :)
I like your post as succesful as always
visit my post once thanks friends
age is not a benchmark for achieving personal pleasure or for our hobbies
Great thoughts! I must say that in cross-country rallying you can find a lots of guys with 60 or more of age. :)
Carlos Sainz sr @Congratulations from the Core of My Heart @adsactly Thank You Dear.
Maybe this was his last Dakar. But who knows?! Maybe next year he will drive for some other team. It all depends on offers. He told that he doesn't have any at the moment. But as a winner, he should have some very soon.
All of dakar full adrenalin. 😊i respect riders and drivers , because very hard timing.🏍
They really deserve respect. It must be a huge courage to start such a rally as Dakar. :)
wow...!!" what a nice and wonderful post @adsactly .. i like your ADSactly Sports - Carlos Sainz sr won Dakar Rally 2018 post thanks for share the post..
Nice update...Good write-up. Thanks for your enlightening post.
Wow ...
very entertaining writing, thanks for sharing
well done
nice one
An exciting and super extreme activity. That's impressive. I imagine what kind of adrenaline get participants and spectators.
It must be very high level of adrenaline because that's the only way the body will suffer all that pain and pressure for 2 weeks. :)
i don't really know much about sport cars but i heard its fascinating , never watched one though , and as for the vote adsactly, it has been long done way back the first announcement, i am your biggest fan. #marshalllife
Sainz second time in his career won the rally-marathon "Dakar" and interrupted the series of failures that has haunted him for five years. The Spaniard became the only Quartet of Peugeot, who managed to avoid problems during the difficult race. Maybe confidence is a former racer WRC gave the gap, which in the course of the entire second half of the race was about an hour.
WRC experience counted for sure. But to be honest, it's all about luck sometimes. Peterhansel was very lucky in the past and now it was Sainz's turn. :)
great blog.i like this.thanks a lot for sharing.
please carry on your activity...
Not a big fan
Buh your post was well detailed and nice.
👍
Other than the prizes, I like to think the drivers earn from sponsorship deals through car manufacturers, beverages and the likes, it was a bit tedious to read through but hey, atleast I know now that the Dakar Rally isn't even in the Sahara anymore. Is it an image right clause preventing them from chamging the title?
They want to save the myth about Dakar as the most dangerous rally/race in the world. That's why they call it Dakar even if it is in South America right now. :)
Feels great to be champions
Feeling must be great for sure! But Sainz sr knows it very good, he was twice WRC champ in nineties. :)
Consistency is not for losers obviously
you have given a great walkthrough about how to enter as a racer
seems like a lot more expensive than i thought!
also iam surprised that there is no life insurance in this sport...
There is a life insurance but you have to pay it as a competitor. That's all 'inside information' about rally costs that nobody provide. But here we have @adsactly... :)
Dakar rally Is a great competition widely followed. Thanks for sharing
It really is, but that's also because it longs for two weeks. And it's very dangerous. :)
Excellent photography .great postI use original pictures only. All rights reserved.
That looks amazing. must be quite crazy driving those. did a sand dune 4x4 thingy in Oman a while back and that got the Adrenalin going, I can only imagine what this must be like.
Yeah, it's really crazy! When you put your helmet and HANS on yourself and put your seat belts on, then the real adrenaline rushes. :)
Glory B. lol looks like some serious fun.
Enjoy, and be safe.
I know one day i will be able to drive one of those sport car.
The more i look the more ambitious i am right now.
Why not?! It's nice to think about it. And it's nice to be ambitious. :)
Wow! Off road rally
Would be a quite adventurous thrilling sport.quite amazing information you shared.but personally I think this sport is quite ultra rich level (70000€) compare to the reward 5000€
Yeah, it became sport for the rich, unfortunately.
Wow Id love to do Dakar one day, its so rad!
Why not?! It would be nice to have another competitor... :)
success always make his next race, and success also for you ..
Congrats. Two-time World Rally champion Sainz had not finished any of the prior three Dakars he had contested as a Peugeot works driver, yet 2018 proved fourth time lucky for the Spaniard.
Well done, Carlos sr! Very nice photo! :)
LEGEND!!!!
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