Audi Sport confirms Dakar 2022 driver line-up

In November 2020, Audi made the stunning announcement of its intention to compete in the 2022 Dakar Rally, using an off-roader with a powerful electric drivetrain, above. And to prove it isn’t heading to the desert to make up the numbers, Audi Sport managing director Julius Seebach has announced a “dream team” of drivers.

The trio are 14-times Dakar winner Stéphane Peterhansel, who moves from X-Raid Mini JCW, two-times DTM champion Mattias Ekström, who has a long association with the manufacturer, and 59-year-old former WRC champion and three-time Dakar winner Carlos Sainz, who finished third in this year’s Dakar.

“I’m really proud to be part of the Audi family and of this amazing project,” Sainz said. “It’s an iconic brand that ventures into Dakar with a pioneer goal – to win with an electrified car. Let’s do it!”

Audi’s Andreas Roos added: “In the end, it is the drivers and co-drivers who make the difference at the Dakar Rally.”