Sainz restores Volkswagen pride with stage win

FORMER World Rally champion, Carlos Sainz, claimed his third stage victory of the 2007 Dakar Rally as he raced into Kayes almost four minutes ahead of the field.

The 44-year-old, driving for Volks-wagen, completed the 484km route from Ayoun in two hours 58 minutes 56 seconds as the competitors crossed from Mauritania into Mali.

Yesterday’s result saw Sainz climb a single place in the overall standings into ninth, still about seven-and-a-half minutes behind leader, Stephane Peterhansel, with just three stages remaining.