CORDOBA, Argentina — Ten-time Dakar Rally champion Stephane Peterhansel took a commanding lead in the car category after finishing second in Monday’s ninth stage.
Peterhansel was beaten by Spain’s Joan Roma in the stage, but increased his overall lead to 49 minutes, 31 seconds over Giniel De Villiers of South Africa.
Nasser Al-Attiyah, who trailed Peterhansel’s Mini by only 3:14 after eight stages, suffered several mechanical breakdowns — including one just a few miles from the finish — that took him out of contention.
In the motorbikes, Ruben Faria of Portugal finished fourth on the stage but took the overall lead, 5:23 ahead of defending champion and KTM teammate Cyril Despres of France.
Despres won the stage, 4:03 ahead of Joan Barreda Bort of Spain and 5:14 in front of Alessandro Botturi of Italy. Faria was 7:47 behind.
“I knew that it would be physically demanding, that I’d have to give it my all,” Despres said. “I’ve got blisters on my feet, and my hands are sore.
“Ruben (Faria) and I are racing well for the team. He’s in good shape and that’s the most important thing right now.”
David Casteu of France, the motorbike leader after eight stages, slipped out of contention with mechanical problems and a fall in which he injured his right shoulder. He finished more than two hours behind.
Sunday was a rest day with the rally ending next Sunday in Santiago, Chile.
Most of Saturday’s eighth stage was cancelled due to torrential rain. – AP
