Can Audi make Dakar dreams come true?

Audi’s 2024 Dakar campaign has officially kicked off. Arriving in Saudi Arabia’s stunning ancient Arabic oasis city of AlUla, Audi Sport has let everyone know its intentions for the 7,000 kilometre, 14-day off-road racing epic.

Mattias Ekström came out swinging in his uniquely powered RS Q e-tron race car, winning the 27km Dakar Rally ‘Prologue’.  'El Matador', rally veteran and three-time Dakar winner Carlos Sainz, followed up with a superb first stage, putting his experience to great use by finishing second.

It was a sensational result - not just because Carlos and co-driver Lucas Cruz achieved it from 48th in the starting order, but because they suffered no less than three punctures along the way. As you will see from this film, it’s all part of Carlos’ ‘Dakar dream’.

But what’s a ‘’Prologue’? And how do Audi’s rockstar racers feel their race is going having crossed the start line? Well, the video above explains all. And remember, stay tuned to Audi’s dedicated Dakar Hub here on TopGear.com for all the latest from the race. 

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*This vehicle shown here is the Rally Dakar vehicle that is not available as a production model. Closed course, professional driver. Do not attempt. The Audi RS Q e-tron combines an electric drivetrain with an energy converter system comprising a TFSI engine and generator.