Sainz Jnr to feature in same rally Sainz Snr won three times
Tuesday 23 January 2018 12:31, UK
Renault's Carlos Sainz will make his first rallying appearance at this week's Monte Carlo Rally, following in the footsteps of his legendary title-winning father.
Carlos Sainz Snr twice won the World Rally Championship and was a three-time winner in Monaco, the traditional curtain raiser to the WRC season.
On Sunday, the final day of the rally, Sainz Jnr will tackle the 13.58km La Cabanette-Col de Braus Power Stage driving the new Renault Megane RS. The 23-year-old will act as the VIP course car to check the stage, setting off before the timed WRC contenders.
"I'm really looking forward to experiencing Rallye Monte-Carlo for the first time," said Sainz.
"I've heard so much about it from my dad - how difficult the stages are, how the conditions can change in an instant from snow to rain or bright sunshine and of course how you need nerves of steel for some of those mountain passes and hairpins!
"It's going to be a real thrill to take part in such a legendary event behind the wheel of a Renault Megane R.S, which will be fitted with snow and studded tyres so I can get a more complete sensation of rallying around these stages."
When do the 2018 F1 cars launch?
With F1 testing not starting until the end of February, a number of the sport's drivers are using the winter to keep their driving skills sharp in other forms of motorsport.
While Sainz will be in rallying action, McLaren's Fernando Alonso and Williams' Lance Stroll will be competing on more familiar asphalt in the Daytona 24 Hours sportscar race.
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