Carlos Sainz, El Matador - The Early Years [DVD] [2012]

Carlos Sainz - one of the most natural 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 we became the first non-Scandinavian to take victory - and his sensational performance at the Argentinian Rally in 1991. The fast and fourious 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 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 thriumphs, 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 Lusi Moya, a key part of the Carlos Sainz story. Sainz swapped circuit racing for rallying and his early performance proved he had made the right decision, earning him a works drive in 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 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 hom 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-determines Spanish star fought back in 1992 to snatch championship glory against all expectations in yet another gripping, down-to-the-wire title battle. This film is the complete story of Carlos Sainz's journey to World Rally Championship glory, told by the man himself. Bonus feature - A comprehensive review of the historic 1990 1000 Lakes Rally.