Carlos Sainz senior has escaped a race control penalty in the Dakar Rally after son Carlos Sainz junior lent a helping hand during repair work. This is prohibited by the regulations.
Sainz senior is a veteran of the Dakar Rally with three overall victories, but the Spaniard almost went into the boat. Images circulating on social media show Sainz and his co-pilot stopping in Saudi Arabia on Friday to carry out repair work on the left rear brake. Son Carlos – closely following his father in a helicopter – is watching from a distance and decides to lend a helping hand.
Research race management
The images show how the Ferrari driver closes the door of the Audi RS Q e-tron after the two have taken their place behind the wheel again. However, this is prohibited by the regulations, which state that outside interference is not allowed. The FIA stewards therefore launched an investigation into the incident, but ultimately decided not to issue a penalty. This is because Sainz junior’s help was not at the initiative of the drivers, and therefore it cannot be seen as a violation.
Example function
However, the stewards have emphasized that this action should not raise doubts among other participants. According to the race directors, “very well-known drivers from motorsport” must set an example to the rest of the participants. “The Dakar Rally is part of the FIA World Championship and it is important that the sporting principles are followed. It is also important to avoid situations that raise doubts,” the stewards’ statement read.
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