5 Jan 2009

Carlos Sainz takes overall lead in Dakar Rally

6:39 pm on 5 January 2009

Spain's former world rally champion Carlos Sainz has taken the overall lead in the Dakar Rally after winning the second stage - a 237km special from Santa Rosa to Puerto Madryn.

The Volkswagen driver finished ahead of the Mitsubishi of France's Stephane Peterhansel, and in front of his South African teammate Giniel De Villiers.

Dutch rider Frans Verhoeven won the motorbike stage.

However, Spain's Marc Coma retains the overall lead despite finishing around 12 minutes behind Verhoeven.