"Great value and a worthy tribute to one of the sport's biggest heroes" Autosport
"Spain only had one car-racing hero before Fernando Alonso. Here's his story, in his own words, on DVD" The Daily Telegraph
Carlos Sainz – one of the most naturally gifted and fiercely competitive drivers ever to grace the World Rally Championship. In just six short years he had overcome the might of Lancia and the mechanical frailties of his Toyota machinery to claim the World Championship twice.
This extraordinary film grants unparalleled access to one of motorsport’s true legends, joining him in his Madrid home as he discusses his road to the top, his frustrations, his triumphs and his stunning World Championship success.
Action-packed rally footage from around the world recalls each of his most significant early victories, including the 1000 Lakes in 1990 – when he became the first non-Scandinavian to take victory – and his sensational performance at the Argentinean Rally in 1991. The fast and furious film charts Sainz’s WRC career from the start through to his second World Championship win, in the final round of the dramatic 1992 season.
Plus there’s rare footage of an early foray into single seater racing at the 1983 Formula Ford World Cup and his first WRC events in 1987 and ’88, when he showed the flamboyance and skill which would later bring championship victory.
Throughout, we hear from Sainz himself as he reflects on the triumphs, and the disasters, as well as discussing fitness, the media, his family life and much more. We also hear from those who know him best, including brother Antonio and long-time co-driver Luis Moya, a key part of the Carlos Sainz story.
A talented footballer and squash player with an eye on a legal career, Sainz decided on motorsport and only failure to land a budget for Formula 3 saw the Spaniard opt for rallying over circuit racing. His early performance proved he had made the right decision, and earned him a works drive with the Toyota Celica GT-4. Despite his obvious talents on all surfaces and in all conditions, the Celica was beset by mechanical problems and simply did not have the pace to match the iconic Lancia Deltas.
It would not be until 1990, his fourth year in WRC, that Sainz would finally claim that elusive first win. Once he had tasted victory nothing could hold him back - he went on to notch up a further three wins on his way to his first World Rally Championship title. Despite five wins, reliability issues with the Toyota the next year saw Sainz lose out on a second title at the very last round. However, the ever-determined Spanish star fought back in 1992 to snatch championship glory against all expectations in yet another gripping, down-to-the-wire title battle.
Although he would continue in rallying’s top flight for another 13 years, before finding a new career in desert races like the Dakar Rally, Sainz would never again claim the sport’s ultimate prize.
This film is the complete story of Carlos Sainz’s journey to World Rally Championship glory, told by the man himself.
Bonus feature:
This DVD includes a comprehensive review of the historic 1990 1000 Lakes Rally, one of Sainz’s most enthralling drives and important victories.
"King Carlos burst onto the WRC scene in the late '80s and quickly became a mega-star. This 1h45m film charts the early years of the Spanish world champion's career with Ford and Toyota with insightful interviews with Carlos at home. Great value and a worthy tribute to one of the sport's greatest heroes" Autosport