Laia Sanz claims her place

make history in Dakar on motorcycles (11 out of 11 finishes, one Top-10 and several top-15) and has become an icon, a benchmark for the little ones who want to become pilots and start practicing motorcycling from the base. He broke the mold in the eyes of the whole world. The time has come to make the leap to cars in 2022. He did it with the aim of repeating the path of success. He was 23rd in his first Dakar on four wheels and in his second attempt in 2023, the experience was complicated by the many setbacks he encountered along the way. He began to see that goal was more difficult on four wheels. He thought about it during his visit to the MD newsroom. After a very complicated Dakar that he could not enjoy as much as he wanted, Laia analyzed his future: “On a motorcycle, on an unofficial one, you can show your quality. By car, if you don’t have a T1+ (highest category) holding your head up is very complicated, and there’s no way you can’t hope for it. What I want is that: to have a way to really know where I can go”.

“On a motorcycle, it’s difficult for me to make my way, but it’s something you do it. The budgets are more affordable. Although I didn’t ride there either and I immediately became an official rider. To become an official motorcycle before, I had to go through three or 4 editions, very difficult dakars. The first year I had an official motorcycle, I finished 9th in the Dakar. Of course I would like to have the same opportunity with cars, but this is a fish that has bitten its tail: I have not shown anything in the world of cars. But I also have no way to prove anything. And so it is very difficult to get out of this wheel ”, clarified.

In 2022 he made his debut in Dakar cars with a desire to learn. I bet on a reliable car but clearly below the leaders. A MINI 4×4 with smaller wheels and less suspension travel than many two-wheel drive buggies in racing and the T1+ (new category 4×4). Laia couldn’t push too hard because she punctured the tires more easily with that vehicle. He finished with a note and in 2023 he wants to improve, already behind the wheel of a two-wheel drive. But it suffered many failures. Therefore, just think about the next step. His goal is clear: he wants T1+. For that you need a budget that you don’t have.

waiting world icon

It is notable that at a time when the women’s sport was on the rise, no major car brand raised its hand to provide an official steering wheel to Laia Sanz so that you can learn with the best and, in a few years, fight for something great and historic. Not because of being a woman. Nope. Because of his record, level, potential and the message his promotion carries. “I’m ready,” he said before his reflection.

“I don’t know if I will win, but to face the fight… I think that with the few kilometers I gained I did a good partial. And having the opportunity in a brand to compete all year and make kilometers… I’m not saying to win, but I see myself with the ability to be in front, to show my head. It’s difficult. Also because of the Dakar you have to think that there are very few official riders who do not pay”.

One cannot avoid thinking what would have happened if instead of being called Laia and born in Corbera de Llobregat, her name was Lindsay, she was born in California and had the same record. “There are luckier pilots”answer that question.

“With the way women’s sport is growing, it’s better to have a chance”

“Women’s sport is now real, growing so much, thank God, oysters!… It’s nice to have a chance because I think we can show that I can do it there as well as I did on the bikes. And I think, with motorcycles it has become more complicated because the physical issue comes in, which limits you, whether you like it or not”. In addition, car brands are betting on the Dakar to sell more cars. In that sense, remember: “women buy cars too…”

“I fight in the world of motorcycles to be ahead when there is a physical limit and I have never been one to say things that are not true, nor to aim for a result that I cannot achieve, and now I believe that in cars I can fight ahead, fight to be there. But it’s a bit disappointing. Very expensive and very difficult…!”, above the rest. Winning is another story. For that, the race must choose you. Loeb, 9 times WRC champion, continues to work hard. Lana needs a chance first. It doesn’t depend on him. There is the talented girl that many are looking for. This is the moment.