2-time world rally champion Carlos Sainz wins award in Spain

MADRID (AP) — Two-time World Rally champion Carlos Sainz was awarded the Princess of Asturias prize in the sports field on Tuesday.

At 57, Sainz this year became the oldest driver to win the Dakar Rally — a race he had already won in 2010 and 2018.

The Spaniard won the World Rally Championship in 1990 and 1992 and numerous other races during a three-decade career.

“(Sainz has shown) a great spirit of self-improvement and competition combined with effort, discipline and solidarity that has been reflected in his constant support for young drivers,” the jury said.

Sainz has also mentored his son, Carlos Sainz Jr., who races in Formula One with Ferrari.

The 50,000 euro ($55,000) annual award is one of eight Asturias prizes handed out by a foundation named for Crown Princess Leonor. Other categories include the arts, literature, global cooperation and scientific research.