Carlos Sainz, aka 'The Matador', belongs firmly in the top category of the WRC drivers. He first got international recognition driving gr. B Renault in the 80's. Carlos took his first WRC victory at the Acropolis Rally with Toyota in 1990 and he went on to win World Championship that year. He won his second Championship in 1992, again with Toyota.

In '94 he joined Subaru, after an unsuccessful year with Lancia, and almost won the championship. In '96 he moved to the Ford camp. Although very Spanish in nature, Carlos could be said to be more like a Northern European kind of driver who feels more confident on gravel surfaces. For 1998 Carlos moved back to his 'home team', Toyota, and in 2000 he is again with Ford as Toyota ended their WRC operation.

Team / car: Ford Focus WRC

Co-driver: Luis Moya, Spain