Colin McRae scored his first-ever stage victory on the Dakar Rally today to finally banish memories of his sand dune difficulties.

Cyril Despres believes the unexpected weekend off for Dakar Rally competitors may have harmed his hopes of winning the 6,800-mile trek across two continents.

Dakar Rally competitors are enjoying an unexpected weekend off after security fears caused the cancellation of two stages.

COLIN MCRAE’S dreams of Dakar Rally glory were lying in tatters last night following a second consecutive mechanical failure.

Colin McRae’s dreams of Dakar Rally glory lie in tatters tonight following a second consecutive mechanical failure.

Colin McRae survived the longest stage of the Dakar Rally with his top-three position intact and admitted he was surprised at the pace of the more experienced competitors.

Colin McRae retained his top-three position in the Dakar Rally today after surviving a scare on the 700-kilometre trek to Mauritania in western Africa.

Colin McRae scored his first podium finish on the Dakar Rally today to put his speeding penalty to the back of his mind.

Colin McRae survived the longest stage yet of the Dakar Rally in an impressive sixth overall today.

Colin McRae claimed an impressive ninth place on today’s second stage of the Dakar Rally as the event headed to Spain.

REIGNING champion Hiroshi Masuoka won yesterday’s fifth stage of the Dakar Rally in Tunisia to snatch the overall lead of the event from Stephane Peterhansel.