Elsewhere, Frenchman Stephane Peterhansel, in a BMW, is fourth, ahead of American Robby Gordon in a Hummer.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Reigning four-wheeled Dakar champion Stephane Peterhansel is the favourite to win the event.

BBC: SPORT | Motorsport | McRae targets Dakar Rally victory

He was 53 seconds ahead of Stephane Peterhansel and now leads the Frenchman by 59 seconds in the standings while McRae has slipped back to 10th.

BBC: SPORT | Motorsport | Gordon back on top in Dakar rally

Frenchman Stephane Peterhansel finished three minutes 44 seconds ahead of Nani Roma of Spain in the car section and now leads his fellow-Mini driver by 22 minutes and 49 seconds.

CNN: Ferrari's Alonso slams F1 testing rules

Reigning title holder, Stephane Peterhansel of France, driving a Mini, took eighth place in the short sprint section, but was already one minute and 42 seconds adrift of the 50-year-old Sainz.

CNN: Sainz and Lopez win Dakar Rally opener in Peru