lucas cruz (December 26, 1974, Barcelona) We will show you again. Carlos Sainz toward the goal of victory. The Catalan, a faithful navigator from Madrid, ‘Matador’ What no one else has achieved: 4 titles dakar With four different brands of cars. And now they are trying to increase that number. ford With a car that claims to be more competitive. The Barcelona native emphasizes the driver’s passion and motivation as he continues to seek victory even at the age of 63.

How do you rate the tour?

I think this Dakar will bring a lot of changes in leadership and strategy. That’s because the marathon stages (the first week and another in the second week, with different roadbooks for bikes and cars) require you to think and play strategically, and the days that follow. As for stones, we know it and it’s all a lottery.

Dakar directors said they removed the 48-hour time trial stage this year to avoid a strategy episode like 2025, as no one wanted to win the previous stage and then have the course open the next day.

I think we have the same strategy as last year. There is also no bike track in the marathon stage, so leaving the track open will result in a penalty. And Stage 6 is a 300km day of sand and unremarkable tracks, which I think will complicate navigation a bit and most of all the pace of the guys in front of us.

“I think this Dakar will bring a lot of changes in leadership and strategy.”

lucas cruz

Last year, Al Attiyah stopped to greet fans in front of the finish line on stage and even said he took the opportunity to urinate.

It will happen again. A 300 km special on sand with no trace of the bike in front is quite limiting. Having a car in front of you helps you read the roadbook, but without a bike you don’t get that advantage.

Is it against the spirit of the race?

Yes, but winning takes time. It’s a bit of a philosophy, protecting the vehicle above all else and requiring extreme care during marathon stages. Because assistance on the track is very limited. Must be cold-blooded.

How is Carlos doing before the challenge?

he is motivated We both do thorough preparations, completing our homework before arriving in Yanbu. Carlos is very energetic, very enthusiastic and active in his preparation for this race. It’s not easy and physical preparation is key, but Carlos is doing very well in this respect.

What is the perfect career plan?

Just keep going day by day and in the end the Dakar is a race where whoever wins the fewest stages wins, so being between 3rd, 5th and 7th each day will be a very good option to get a good position in the last few days.

“The Dakar is a race where whoever wins the fewest stages wins. Being around 3rd, 5th and 7th every day will be a very good option to get a good position in the last few days.”

lucas cruz

After that reversal that deprived us of continuing the race, has the whole year of waiting become an eternity?

The advantage is that we were able to take part in a few races in the car, which helped us get into a rhythm and, above all, helped us tune the car. We had new enthusiasm and a lot of motivation and improved both our preparation and the car.

Most of his rivals for the title compete in many World Championship races throughout the year, but Carlos doesn’t need as many tests.

I think between the race and the test we arrived well prepared and everything is clear on how to approach the race and how to face it. This year we conducted three test sessions between Zaragoza and Morocco and competed in the South Africa, Portugal and Morocco rallies. That’s good preparation. Despite having fewer races, we are on the same level as the rest of the teams. The race is very long and each day determines the top position.

Will this be Sainz’s last Dakar?

I don’t understand. I’m not in his head. I don’t know what he’s thinking. I know him, yes, and if he’s on pace and the car works and he’s competitive, why not do another year?

How is he still able to maintain that level at the age of 63?

Because of that mentality above all, and his spirit, his desire, his character, his motivation, physically he feels good, mentally he feels good… and he enjoys it, and that’s the most important thing.

What do you say to people who think this isn’t a sport because a 63-year-old driver is at the top?

All you have to do is to be at the same level all these years and above all, prepare well physically. In recent years. Carlos is a bull and there are few like him. It’s all about the will and desire to work hard to stay prepared and stay on top.

If it’s Sainz’s last Dakar, will it be his last?

I don’t know, but at the moment the Dakar is coming up and I’m going to fight to win.

How did you like the renewal of the Ford Raptor T1+?

There are many changes. When you own a new car (debuted at Dakar 2025), there are always new ideas to improve it, and that’s what’s happening. We spent a full year evolving the machine and now it’s more ready.

Is the evolution very noticeable? How does it feel inside the Ford Raptor T1+ Evo?

The feel from inside the car is good. We’ve done a good job with the suspension, we’ve finished fine-tuning some weak spots in the engine, we’ve improved the aerodynamics, we’ve reduced the weight of the bodywork, and I think all of this has allowed us to make a much better car than last year.

“We will emerge with a much better car than in 2025.”

lucas cruz

The windshield is lighter and more durable. This means they are less likely to break and your vision is less likely to be compromised. And again, go without a mirror. How do you move without a mirror?

Well, we don’t have a rearview mirror, but we do have two cameras in the back and some screens on the inside to give us a better view of what’s going on outside. Previously, visibility was limited because the rearview mirrors were very small and you couldn’t see much due to vibrations. The windshield is made of polycarbonate, which has the advantage of reducing weight on the top of the car and increasing agility.

What happens if my camera breaks down?

Before I hit a tree branch and lost my rear view mirror. So there’s no problem (laughs).

Is it possible to win?

It’s always possible. With official teams you always have a chance to win. We will fight and strive for it, but it will not be easy because our competitors have also worked hard to develop their cars.

“It’s possible to win.”

lucas cruz

It was even harder to think of winning with an electric car like Audi. And you did it. This is a more traditional project.

yes. But for us it’s different. We have a naturally aspirated engine without a turbo, while the rest of our competitors have biturbo engines with a small turbo and a big turbo. This allows for faster response at low revs, and at high revs this turbo is disconnected to compensate for the larger turbo being connected. For us, it makes a difference in terms of reaction and the slower sections are not as advantageous as others, but the average speed of the race is high and I think these small inconveniences can wear off a bit over time. Since it is a fully atmospheric engine, the response will be slightly slower at low speeds, but it will be the same at medium and high speeds.

“We have a fully atmospheric engine, which has a slightly slower response in the low-speed range, but is comparable in the medium-high speed range.”

lucas cruz

Is it one of the closest Dakars you remember in the car and one of the races with the most favorites to win?

When you think about it, there are big differences in the number of drivers and machines compared to previous years.

Who is your rival to defeat?

all. Toyota and Dacia are both in very good positions for victory. I think there will be a lot of leadership changes during the Dakar.

What does it mean to win this Dakar?

Another challenge has been achieved with a new brand. Winning four Dakars with four different brands is already a good challenge because it is very difficult to achieve that with five brands. But it’s difficult and you have to fight hard for it. And we fight.

If not, maybe Nani Roma will win?

Clear. Many people are involved in creating a car like ours, and everyone contributes to the car’s development, increasing its competitiveness to fight on the front lines for victory. If the Ford driver wins, even if it’s not us, it’s a good outcome for everyone.

Good luck.

Thank you very much.