Sainz storms to Dakar Rally lead

UYUNI - Spain's Carlos Sainz took the overall lead in the Dakar Rally by winning Saturday's seventh stage from La Paz to Uyuni in Bolivia.

The veteran Peugeot driver ended the 425km timed section in four hours 49 minutes and 26 seconds, more than 12 minutes ahead of South Africa's Giniel de Villiers in a Toyota. Qatari Nasser Al-Attiyah was third, also in a Toyota, 14:19 behind.

Overnight leader and defending champion Peterhansel finished 1:48:00 behind Sainz after his Peugeot struck a rock and required repairs.

Sainz now heads the overall race standings, more than 1:11:00 faster than Al-Attiyah and one hour 21 minutes clear of Peterhansel.

China's He Zhitao is 36th in his Boundless Yong Racing Team vehicle after finishing 35th in the seventh stage.

In the motorcycle category, Spain's Honda rider Joan Barreda won Saturday's stage in 5:11:10 with Dutchman Adrien Van Beveren second on his Yamaha, almost three minutes behind.

Van Beveren leads the overall standings, 3:14 of Honda's Argentine rider Kevin Benavides.

China's Daming Racing Team riders Zhang Min and Zhao Hongyi, who finished 76th and 81, respectively, on Saturday. Zhang is 75 overall and Zhao 80th.