'El Matador' bullish about Dakar title defense

BISHA, Saudi Arabia — Veteran Spanish driver Carlos Sainz made history when he won his fourth Dakar Rally last year, and is confident that he has what it takes to challenge for victory in this season's grueling race in Saudi Arabia.

Sainz's fourth title came at the age of 61 — making him the oldest winner of the race. It was also the first Dakar victory for German outfit Audi.

Now 62, the Spaniard — the father of Ferrari Formula One driver Carlos Sainz Jr — recently became a grandfather, but the two-time world rally champion known as 'El Matador' professes to be in fine form.

"Personally, I've done everything I can to arrive in a good physical condition, and I will give everything to try to have a good race," Sainz said at the launch of his new Ford Raptor.

"We are comfortable, we have done all the jobs we can."