Carlos Sainz has done it again at 57 years old, he has managed to win the Dakar for the third time. After a tough and disputed Dakar 2020, the Spaniard has been proclaimed champion. He himself has commented on how complicated he has been this time. They set a very good pace, but they were not without some problems during the long stages. But in the end they have obtained their long-awaited reward.
El Red Bull sponsored Mini team He has had a tremendous pace, without giving too many options to the rest. It was rumored that Toyota could have greatly improved its car and be one step ahead of the English firm, but this has not been the case. This good pace of the car and the good work of Carlos and his co-driver Lucas Cruz, have made Spain win another great battle in motor sport.
Sainz and Cruz have deserved itor, they have conquered the Dakar 2020 for the third time. And they have achieved it with three different brands. The favourite, Toyota's Al-Attiyah, has retained his second position despite the problems. Let's remember that Qatar won last year and was one of the greats here. And of course, the other big favourite, Peterhansel was third. The truth is that this podium has collected the three best among whom the victory was already expected.
More results Dakar 2020
Finally, I would not like to end without highlighting the merit of the Fernando Alonso's debut with Marc Coma in Dakar 2020. They have had the Toyota Hilux in their hands, with very good performances. They have come to be between the first and the second position in one of the stages. To be the first time, that many do not even finish, is not bad at all. In fact, if it weren't for the more than 3 and a half hours lost due to the accident with broken front suspension and the rollover with numerous breakages, they would have been close to the podium. However, they have remained in 13th position, similar to that of another Dakar champion such as Giniel de Villiers. Will they return in 2021 to improve? I think so…
With regards to motorcycle victory It has been taken by R. Brabec with Honda, followed by P. Quintanilla with the Swedish Husqvarna. KTM, which was the great dominant with 18 wins in a row, has not been able to achieve it this time and has been third with T. Price.
As for the the quadss, Yamaha is the only firm that competes, with I. Casale having won, followed by S. Vitse and third R. Sonik.
If we attend to the SSV category, we see Can-Am in the top three positions with C. Currie, S. Kariakin and S. Lopez respectively.
And finally, the trucks they have A. Karginov as champion with Kamaz and his teammate A. Shibalov in second position. The third has been for S. Viazovich de Maz.