McRae leads Dakar Rally

Former world rally champion Colin McRae took the lead in the Dakar Rally after winning the third stage.

McRae took his Nissan to the stage victory around the 10km route near Granada in Spain before the long haul to Rabat in Morocco, including the ferry crossing.

McRae’s win, in a time of seven minutes and 48 seconds, gave him the overall lead in the rally from stage one winner Robby Gordon (VW).

Two days after winning the Barcelona super special stage Frenchman David Fretigne took his Yamaha to another victory after beating the KTM of South African Alfie Cox in the motorcycle category.

Third went to the KTM of Frenchman Cyril Despres who trails Fretigne in the overall standings by 11 seconds.

The truck category saw Dutchman Hans Bekx (DAF) take the win to hold onto his lead in the overall standings.