The reigning Dakar Rally title holder Carlos Sainz Sr. has been forced to abandon the fight in the 2025 running of the famed endurance race. On the first of two days dedicated to the grueling marathon stage on Sunday and Monday, Sainz Sr. crashed very badly. He was able to continue on his way, but at a considerable disadvantage and with hefty damage. The damage was, however, deemed too much of a risk. As such that the FIA intervened and forced Sainz to abandon the event. The roll cage viewed to be too badly damaged by the impact of his crash to ensure its effective operation and thus safety. A statement from Ford confirms that: "Due to the damage sustained to the safety cage of vehicle No. 225 during the accident in the first part of the 48-hour stage of the 2025 Dakar Rally, in accordance with FIA regulations, it has been decided to withdraw the vehicle."
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