14 Jan 2009

Sainz extends lead in Dakar Rally

5:50 am on 14 January 2009

Spain's Carlos Sainz has extended his overall lead in the Dakar Rally.

The two-time rally world champion won the 430-kilometre ninth stage in Chile by almost two minutes.

He now leads second-placed team mate Mark Miller by almost 20 minutes.

South African Giniel De Villiers, who had been in second before the stage, got lost at the 80 kilometre mark and is now in third.

The Dutch rider Frans Verhoeven, on a KTM, won the motorcycle section.

Marc Coma of Spain, who finished fourth on the day, leads the overall motorbike standings.