Audi, renowned for its cutting-edge technology, has secured its first victory at the Dakar Rally 2024. This historic win not only marks Audi’s first-ever triumph at the prestigious event but also establishes a significant milestone as the first time a low-emission prototype, equipped with an electric drive, high-voltage battery, and energy converter, has claimed victory in one of the world’s toughest desert rallies.
“It is difficult to put this victory into words,” said Rolf Michl, the Head of Audi Motorsport. “We have written a piece of motorsport history. This sport is also about luck. We lacked that last year. We overcame this challenge with long and hard work. Our winners Carlos and Lucas are both exceptional.”
“The Spaniards” who steer Audi to victory
Driving the innovative Audi RS Q e-tron, the victorious duo known as “The Spaniards,” Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz, covered an impressive 7,900 kilometres or approximately 4,900 miles. Their exceptional performance secured a substantial lead of 1 hour and 20 minutes, sealing Audi’s triumph in this challenging competition.
Furthermore, this victory at Dakar Rally 2024 marks a personal milestone for Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz, securing their fourth win in this gruelling event. The experienced duo had maintained a consistent lead since the sixth stage, having previously clinched first-place finishes in 2010, 2018, and 2020.
Addressing the media, Carlos Sainz shared his elation, stating, “This victory means a lot to me. The team has developed a very special concept with which we are the first in the Dakar Rally. Only Audi was brave enough to take this risk. I’m happy that we’ve made history with it.”
Stiff competition and rigorous challenges:
Facing rivals Toyota and Ford, Audi conquers demanding terrains
Audi faced formidable competition from established brands like Toyota and Ford, as well as experienced teams from Prodrive. The rally itself posed immense challenges with daily stages often exceeding 400 kilometres, including two marathon stages with limited or no service. The diverse terrains, ranging from sharp scree to gravel roads and daunting dune chains, tested the limits of both man and machine.
Mixed Fortunes for Other Audi Teams
While Mattias Ekström and Emil Bergkvist showed promise with a prologue win, and Stéphane Peterhansel secured his 50th stage win, both teams faced mechanical setbacks. Ekström/Bergkvist finished in the top 50, and Peterhansel/Boulanger fell back to 22nd place due to a hydraulic system defect.
