Laia Sanz, again in front of the same wall: “T1+ is so expensive that you have to go in with a brand”

Laia Sanz He is extremely enthusiastic to play again in the Dakar after the 2024 edition with great sensations aboard the two-wheel drive Astara. The pilot from Corbera de Llobregat wants to continue making history by finishing all the editions in which he participated. So far he is 14 out of 14.

In a conversation with MD, at an event red bull with some well-known energy drink brand pilots held at Nasser Camp in Al-Attiyah (Castellfollit del Boix), the Catalan explained that he has a good project underway and it will be announced in a few days.

“We have just finished closing things. Everything is not 100% closed but it looks good. I am happy and encouraged and I hope that everything will be on track as soon as possible, which is also the best way to face the Dakar while I’m running in Extreme E. It’s going to weigh on my shoulders. “I think I’ll know before summer.”

“You have to be realistic. I think that last year, when we had no problems, the speed we showed, with a two-wheeler, was enough to show that we could be in the top ten. But we fought with the who races all year round, arriving at the Dakar with a massive run.

The wall of money

Laia Sanz has made more than enough merits to be able to compete with the best in the T1+ category. However, to get there you need not only results but also a huge amount of money. The cost exceeds €500,000 and even for the TOP5 it is close to a million. Therefore, without many sponsors or a brand, it is almost impossible.

“Is T1+ impossible? It’s complicated because it’s also how they give it to you. Entering an official team is not the same as joining one you’ve never tried, that you race directly in Dakar. So you have to check It’s very difficult because it costs a lot of money if you’re not on a team.”

“The amount of issue in T1+ is so big that you have to enter with a brand. Dakar like last year will help to make it better but it is not easy. And now all the brands have all the drivers. From what it seems new brands are coming in and we have to be ready in case that happens.”

Unlike other Dakarians, Laia did not have the possibility to try or ride in other rounds of the World Rally Championship such as Morocco precisely because of the lack of financial support. However, the Spaniard rode in Extreme E with Carlos Sainz Sr’s Acciona team and there they continued to show their worth.

“In Extreme, we only did one race and it was fine. We finished fourth and first in both races and it helps us prepare for the Dakar,” he said in conclusion.