Sainz rallies back to the top

SPAIN’S Carlos Sainz returned to the top of the general standings of the Dakar Rally after winning the seventh stage between Mendoza and Valparaiso yesterday.

The 1990 and 2002 rally world champion completed the mountainous phase in 2 hrs 35 mins 27 secs, picking up his third stage win, reclaiming the lead after being knocked off top spot on Wednesday by Nasser Al-Attiyah.

“I think we overcame the stage well,” said Sainz. “It was very hard, including some areas which were full of mud and water that made the car slip. There were also some places where there were too many pot holes, but until now things are going well for the team.”