Carlos Sainz

Carlos Sainz is a Spanish professional rally driver, born on April 12, 1962, in Madrid, Spain. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest rally drivers of all time. Sainz started his professional career with the Spanish team, Hisparally, before moving to the international scene in 1987, where he won multiple titles, including two World Rally Championships.

Sainz is known for his incredible speed, control, technical aptitude, and versatility. He has won numerous individual awards and holds multiple records, such as the most podium finishes in the World Rally Championship history.

Off the track, Sainz is also recognized for his philanthropy and influence, making significant charitable contributions and inspiring millions worldwide.

Hisparally

• Youth and Early Career: Sainz was born and raised in Madrid and started his career with the Spanish team, Hisparally. He made his international debut in 1987.

Toyota Team Europe

• Early Success: Sainz signed with Toyota Team Europe in 1989 and developed into one of the world's best rally drivers, winning two World Rally Championships in 1990 and 1992.

Subaru and Ford

• Continued Success: In the mid-90s, Sainz raced for Subaru and Ford, achieving numerous podium finishes and victories, further cementing his status as one of the world's top rally drivers.

Citroën

• New Challenges: Sainz moved to Citroën in 2003, where he continued to perform strongly, including winning the Rally of Turkey in 2004.

Later Career and Dakar Rally

• Switch to Cross-Country Rallying: In his later career, Sainz switched to cross-country rallying and won the Dakar Rally multiple times, proving his versatility and endurance.

World Rally Championship

• Debut: Made his debut in the World Rally Championship in 1987.
• World Rally Championship: Winner in 1990 and 1992.
• Sainz has achieved the most podium finishes in the history of the World Rally Championship.

• Position: Primarily a driver, but also excels as a navigator.
• Skills: Known for his incredible speed, control, technical aptitude, and versatility. Sainz is celebrated for his strategic driving, adaptability to different terrains, and endurance.

• Family: Sainz has two children. His son, Carlos Sainz Jr., is also a successful professional racing driver.
• Philanthropy: Sainz is involved in various charitable activities and has donated significant sums to children's hospitals, disaster relief efforts, and research into motoring safety.

• Carlos Sainz is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his work ethic, determination, and longevity in professional rally driving. His impact on the sport and his status as an icon extend beyond the track, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Most Podium Finishes in World Rally Championship:

• Over 97 podium finishes

Most Wins in Dakar Rally:

• Multiple wins in the Dakar Rally

Books

• Sainz, C. (2003) Carlos Sainz: The Autobiography. Spain: Planeta Publishing.

Websites

• FIA: Information about Carlos Sainz's international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.fia.com
• World Rally Championship: Details about Sainz’s career in WRC. Available at: https://www.wrc.com
• Dakar Rally: Updates and records of Sainz in Dakar Rally. Available at: https://www.dakar.com

Articles

• BBC Sport: Carlos Sainz: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/sport/motorsport
• The Guardian: Carlos Sainz’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/carlos-sainz

Interviews and Documentaries

• Carlos Sainz: Driven to Perfection (2018): This documentary provides a detailed look at Sainz’s life and career, featuring interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues.
• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Carlos Sainz, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.espn.com