Teh second leg of the Dakar Rally has proven challenging for Spanish drivers, notably for 62-year-old Carlos Sainz, who faced significant setbacks. Starting at 5:20 AM local time,Sainz struggled with his Ford Raptor T1+ adn quickly fell behind frontrunners Al Rajhi and Nasser Al-Attiyah. His teammate, Mattias Ekström, also encountered difficulties, losing nearly 20 minutes by the 739 km mark.Meanwhile, Nani Roma initially showed promise, closing in on the lead, but navigational errors cost him an additional 15 minutes. The situation worsened for Roma when he had to halt for mechanical issues at PK.766, leaving him over an hour adrift in the overall standings. The harsh desert terrain of Bisha continues to test the resilience of these elite competitors.Cristina Gutiérrez’s promising debut at the 2025 Dakar Rally took a heartbreaking turn as she was forced to withdraw from the race at kilometer 729 due to mechanical issues with her Dacia Sandrider. 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Time.news Editor: Good day, everyone! Today we are diving into the riveting world of the Dakar Rally, specifically on how the second leg has unfolded for Spanish competitors this year. Joining us is motorsport expert, Dr. Javier Morales,who has extensive knowledge of rally racing. Javier, let’s talk about the challenges faced by Carlos Sainz and his team this leg of the race.
Javier Morales: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an intense event. Carlos Sainz, at 62 years old, continues to push his limits behind the wheel of his Ford Raptor T1+. Though, starting the stage early at 5:20 AM certainly didn’t help, and he struggled against tough frontrunners like Al Rajhi and Nasser Al-Attiyah.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. it’s remarkable how physical and mental endurance plays into this. Sainz’s early struggles saw him quickly falling behind. Do you think age is becoming a factor in his performance against younger competitors?
Javier Morales: Age is always a part of the conversation in motorsport,especially in grueling challenges like Dakar. Its not just about speed; it’s about reaction time and decision-making under stress. While Sainz has incredible experience, younger pilots may have an edge in physical stamina. Nonetheless,Sainz’s strategic thinking is a strong asset—his experience could still guide him through tough stages.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of strategy, Nani Roma initially seemed to be a strong contender but faced navigational errors and then mechanical issues. What does this say about the importance of sharp navigational skills in such a complex rally?
Javier Morales: Navigation is crucial in the Dakar. It’s not just about speed; competitors need to make real-time decisions based on rapidly changing conditions. For Roma, losing 15 minutes to navigation mistakes is a big setback, especially when compounded by mechanical failures. Precision in navigation can ultimately make or break a competitor’s position in the rally.
Time.news Editor: And then there’s Cristina Gutiérrez, who had a promising start but had to withdraw due to mechanical issues after a strong showing. This unpredictability seems to be a hallmark of the Dakar Rally, doesn’t it?
Javier Morales: Definitely. The Dakar is infamous for its unpredictability. Mechanical reliability is as crucial as driving skills. Gutiérrez was in the top 10 after the first stage; to see her withdraw after facing reliability problems must be heartbreaking for her team. It showcases how even a well-prepared team can be vulnerable to unexpected failures, which is part of what makes this rally so thrilling and challenging.
Time.news Editor: Lastly, I wanted to touch on Laia Sanz. she had a notable streak of finishes going on untill her rollover incident. It’s a dramatic twist, but how do you view her perseverance to continue racing?
Javier Morales: Laia Sanz is an incredibly resilient competitor. Her willingness to continue despite setbacks is commendable and reflects the spirit of the Dakar Rally. These challenges are part of the rally’s lore; even when facing adversity, enduring competitors like Sanz inspire all rally enthusiasts. Her legacy in the sport remains strong, and I expect she’ll come back fighting in future events.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Javier. It’s always enlightening to hear your insights into such a complex and dynamic race. Best of luck to all the competitors as thay navigate the rugged terrains of the Dakar Rally!