Pune: In a rally that takes drivers from sea to snow in just 70-km run, something that is a very special feature of Rallye Monte-Carlo, the first round of the 2018 World Rally Championship, Carlos Sainz Junior described the feeling as “very special” after he drove the final stage of the opening round in Monte Carlo on Sunday.
Sainz Jr, whose father Carlos Sainz took three victories at the iconic event, piloted the VIP Course Car-the Renault Megane R.S-as he tackled the 13.58km Power Stage from La Cabanette to Col de Braus.
The WR competitors followed after Sainz Jr.’s run, with Citroen’s Kris Meeke fastest in the stage, as reigning champion Sebastien Ogier clinched victory.
“That was very special,” said Sainz Jr. “I have dreamt about doing this a lot of times in my life and now thanks to Renault it has come true,” the junior Sainz said after his drive.
“I have always wanted to do a rally with a co-driver, pace notes and a good pace and I loved it. The car was really good,” said the Renault driver.
“It was a fantastic experience - quite slippery in places to give the full Monte Carlo experience!
“My Dad just told me to take it carefully, but I had a lot of fun. Thanks to everyone for the opportunity.”
Senior Sainz said: “I’m very happy that Carlos has experienced a taste of such a legendary rally.
“Monte Carlo was, and still is, a very special race for all motorsport fans.
The junior Sainz’s rally debut gets prominence as it came within 10 days of his father winning the 2018 Dakar Rally, his second Dakar title for Peugeot.
“Carlos has driven rally cars before, but experiencing the roads of this particular event is different. I gave him a couple of tips, but the most important one was ’enjoy’,” said the senior Sainz
