Most of the time he gives the impression that he is only here to meet up with a few old pals. But not even the tiniest detail can escape the attention of Carlos Sainz in the waiting zone, in which the participants at the Rally Monte Carlo gather before they make their way to the service area. The two-time world champion (1990 and 1992) is prowling around the rally cars again. And the tyres are coming in for particular attention from the great man. What driver is on which tyres? How are they looking with two or three special stages under their belt? What spares do they have in their boot?
Few people have more experience of the Rally Monte Carlo than Sainz, who is currently working as a consultant for Volkswagen Motorsport. The Spaniard has won the “Grand Dame” of rallying on three occasions. No wonder Volkswagen works drivers Sébastien Ogier and Jari-Matti Latvala value his advice so highly in all matters tyre related. “Carlos has already experienced everything here. He can evaluate every weather situation perfectly,” says Ogier, who is making only his second appearance with a World Rally Car at the “Monte”.
Sainz’s opinion is held in very high esteem when Ogier and Latvala must decide between spiked tyres, winter tyres and virtual slicks. Wouldn’t he rather be out there competing? “I have driven at 15 Rally Monte Carlos. That is plenty,” says the 50-year-old from Madrid. “I have had my time and am now concentrating on my new role.”