In the cars, French veteran Stephane Peterhansel celebrated his 50th Dakar stage victory, while Carlos Sainz took the overall lead.
Peterhansel, known as ‘Monsieur Dakar’ following 14 overall victories in cars and motorcycles, was 29 seconds faster in the Audi on the stage from Al Henakiyah to Al Duwadimi than his compatriot, nine-time rally world champion Sebastien Loeb (Prodrive). The 58-year-old now has 83 stage victories in the classic rally.
The day’s victory in the motorcycles went to the Chilean Jose Ignacio Cornejo on a Honda, the overall lead is still held by Ross Branch (Hero) from Botswana.
