For a while it seemed that Carlos Sainz senior would still be able to continue his way in the Dakar Rally despite a serious crash during the ninth stage. However, the Spaniard has since announced that he will have to abandon his participation as his car has been damaged beyond repair.
Sainz started the stage second in the cars on Tuesday, but he lost control of his Audi after six kilometres. The Spanish driver flew forward off a dune and landed on the roof. It was decided to wait for assistance to repair the significant damage, but with pain on the right side of his torso, Sainz was taken to hospital in Riyadh for checks.
However, it emerged moments later that the four-time Dakar winner asked the medical helicopter on the way to the hospital to turn around and take him to his car. Sainz has now been reunited with teammate Lucas Cruz and is awaiting assistance.
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Drama at Audi
Things also went badly wrong for Audi last week when both Sainz and Stéphane Peterhansel both crashed during the sixth stage. Peterhansel's co-driver then also had to be taken to hospital, bringing his Dakar Rally to an end. Sainz crashed in the same kilometre but was still able to continue his journey.
Update | Sainz unable to continue in Dakar Rally
Sainz has since announced that he cannot continue his run. The damage to the car was too severe to be repaired and so, much to his regret, the Spaniard has to abandon his participation.
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Friday 27.03.26
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