Sainz suffers rollover in crucial 48-hour Dakar stage
Carlos Sainz Sr’s Ford rolled over in the first part of the Dakar Rally’s 48-hour stage on Sunday, leaving him stranded in the desert.
The four-time Dakar winner had started the second test of 2025 in eighth place but things went south for him just after midday in Bisha, Saudi Arabia.
According to information received by Motorsport.com, the Spaniard was navigating a sandy area at the exit of the dunes when his Ford Raptor was turned around in an accident.
The incident occurred 327km into the near-1000km Stage 2, shortly after he had crossed the previous checkpoint in 15th place.
His Ford team-mate Mitch Guthrie Jr stopped on the route to provide assistance to Sainz.
A video captured by Dakar’s organiser ASO showed the rear of the car having sustained heavy damage in the rollover.
More details of the crash are still awaited.
The 62-year-old was eventually able to resume the rally after losing 23 minutes, but it’s unclear how much damage he is carrying on his car.
Dacia’s Nasser Al-Attiyah was leading Stage 2 after the 325km mark, having compromised his result on Saturday in order to secure a more favourable starting position for the 48-hour test.
More to follow
Photos from Dakar Rally Stage 2
In this article
Mario Galan
Dakar
Carlos Sainz Sr
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