At just three months shy of his 58th birthday, you might think that Carlos Sainz would long ago have been content drawing a line under his illustrious racing career. Instead the two-time WRC champion is continuing to add to his considerable achievements.
His third Dakar title, claimed this week at the wheel of Mini's John Cooper Works Buggy, leaves him just one victory behind Ari Vatanen in the all-time total. The Finn sits in second place on that leaderboard; the seven wins of this year's runner-up Stephane Peterhansel - not including his additional six wins on the back of a motorbike - ensuring he'll remain at the top for some time to come.
It could easily have been another serial winner who added to his tally, with defending champion Nasser Al-Attiyah (winner in 2011, 15 and 19) and Peterhansel just 6:21 and 9:58 off the pace set by Sainz by the end of the gruelling 7,500km route. Instead, it was the Spaniard and his compatriot co-driver Lucas Cruz who took the top step of the podium, ensuring a fifth title for Mini and further solidifying the legendary status enjoyed by Sainz Snr.
Alongside the trophy, $50,000 cash prize and hero status that comes with winning the Dakar is, of course, a multitude of stunning photos. One of which we've selected as our Pic of the Week. So congratulations to Carlos, Lucas and all involved in another excellent Dakar, long may both his and the event's success continue.