INSIGHT ON THE 2010 DAKAR RALLY CHAMPION: SAINZ AND CRUZ
2010-01-18 11:46:53 Author: admin Source:
Finishing in runners-up for the Dakar were team mates Nasser Al-Attiyah/Timo Gottschalk and Mark Miller/Ralph Pitchford, the VW factory crews secured a one-two-three in the greatest challenge worldwide in rallying. Volkswagen, thus, have won their second consecutive title at the desert classic.
For Sainz and Cruz a long harboured dream was fulfilled following their "Dakar” triumph. In front of enthusiastic spectators the two Spaniards were the stars for millions of fans along the rally route.
Sainz's personal record now shows the World Rally Championship (WRC) titles in 1990 and 1992 with 26 individual rally wins, and in off-road rallying, he has won the Cross Country World Cup in 2007 which included eight podium positions and four victories from 14 events, and this year, he finally lands the important victory of all in his off-road rally career at the 2010 Dakar Rally.
As different as Sainz and Cruz are in their appearance, the more constructive is their cooperation. During the Dakar Rally jointly working through the road book every evening is an integral part of the daily procedure. Cruz quoted, "It was important for us that Carlos (Sainz) had a feeling beforehand for the junctions and dangerous points expected during the following day. I think this was one of the secrets to our success in the 2010 ‘Dakar’.”
Sainz added, "To choose a Spanish speaking co-driver was a conscious decision. It’s quite simply an advantage to receive instructions in your own language, without having to translate it first in your head. This gives the last tiny piece of concentration. In addition, Lucas (Cruz) works meticulously and calmly and knows how to prepare perfectly for the forthcoming stages. I think the record of three wins in three rallies proves a point.”
In the exciting battle to the finish, staged with team mate Al-Attiyah, which Sainz finally won by a margin of 132 seconds, the support in Argentina and Chile clearly belongs to the new Dakar Champions.
The factory duo in the Race Touareg with start number 303 was always at the centre of the media interest. After winning the 2010 "Dakar” Sainz and Cruz are not only closer than ever before with their fans. The most recent victory has brought them even closer as a unit.
