Stephane Peterhansel claimed his second successive four-wheeled Dakar title after he finished 11th on the 16th and final stage of the event on Sunday.

Stephane Peterhansel retained his overall lead in the Dakar Rally today as Giniel de Villiers took victory on stage 12.

Alastair Moffitt

DEFENDING champion Stephane Peterhansel moved into the overall lead of the Dakar Rally with his second stage victory on day seven.

Colin McRae will fly back to Britain today after seeing his Dakar Rally hopes disappear in the Saharan dust.

Former world champion Colin McRae is the overall leader in the Dakar Rally, after winning his second special stage on day five between Agadir and Smara.

Former world champion Colin McRae is tonight the overall leader in the Dakar Rally, after winning his second special stage on day five between Agadir and Smara.

Former world rally champion Colin McRae was on course to win his second special stage of the Dakar Rally after dominating day five between Agadir and Smara.

American Robby Gordon won his second special stage on the Dakar Rally to reclaim the overall lead on day four as Britain’s Colin McRae dropped down the order.

Robby Gordon became the first US driver in a car to win a special on the Dakar Rally as he clocked the fastest time on the opening stage of the event.

Colin McRae has victory in his sights as he prepares for just his second assault on the epic Dakar Rally.