Carlos Sainz Sr. will defend his Dakar Rally title in 2025, aiming for a historic fifth victory with a new Ford Raptor T1+ from January 3-17 across Saudi Arabia. At age 62, the two-time World Rally Champion and four-time Dakar winner has adapted his preparation methods for the world's most challenging endurance race.

The 2025 Dakar Rally covers 7,759 kilometers across 12 timed special stages from Bisha to the Empty Quarter desert. Sainz emphasizes increased focus on aerobic training to maintain his competitive edge, stating, "I prefer to suffer at home, so I don't suffer so much at the Dakar."

Key aspects of modern Dakar competition include:

• Roadbook navigation: Drivers receive route instructions just minutes before stage starts
• 48-hour Chrono stage: A crucial two-day segment without team support
• Strategic approach: Sainz's 2024 victory demonstrated the importance of tactical planning over stage wins

The veteran driver highlights potential improvements for the rally:

• Adjusting starting order rules for factory drivers
• Increasing sentinel range by 100 meters to enhance safety
• Managing extreme conditions, including temperatures reaching 45°C

The 2025 edition presents a unique challenge as Sainz attempts to secure his fifth Dakar victory with a fifth different manufacturer, showcasing his exceptional adaptability and endurance in one of motorsport's most demanding events.

Sainz partners with co-driver Lucas Cruz, emphasizing their collaborative approach to navigation and strategy. Their success relies on precise timing, careful planning, and the ability to handle unpredictable desert conditions while managing the new Ford Raptor T1+'s capabilities.

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