SANDSTORMS in the Mauritanian desert forced the cancellation of yesterday’s eighth stage of the Dakar Rally.

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.

Former World Rally Champion Colin McRae acquitted himself well on his first taste of the Dakar Rally – but he expects matters to get much harder when the event hits Africa.

John Deacon has BMW team-mate Jimmy Lewis in his sights as the 38-year-old motorcycle dealer from Plymouth aims to snatch sixth place overall on the 14th stage of the Paris-Dakar Rally.