Second stage success for Sainz, Despres

• Source: Global Times
• [08:37 January 05 2011]
• Comments

The 53-year-old driver, who achieved a personal best 28th in the overall standings last year, stayed on to help his Rely teammates.

Dakar debutant Zhou Yuande carried on his good form and finished stage two in 53rd, climbing to No. 55, three places ahead of Zhou Yong of Great Wall, in the overall standings.

In the motorbikes section, three-time champion Cyril Despres also claimed victory in his section's 300km second stage. Despres finished 1 minute 49 seconds ahead of fellow KTM rider Marc Coma of Spain with compatriot David Casteu of Sherco in third.

The title-holder cemented his place at the top of the overall standings with a second consecutive victory after teammate Ruben Faria who had won the first stage was handed a one-minute penalty for breaking the speed limit in a controlled zone.

Despres managed to lead from start to claim his 25th stage win in the Dakar Rally.

"Today the track was full of bends and very skiddy, like a 300km giant slalom with jumps, like skiing," said Despres.

"I noticed at the refuelling point that I'd taken almost a minute less than Coma. I was feeling good, so I decided to attack a bit in the second part, though I was careful to look after my tires because I nearly wore them through today."

"The most important thing is to find a good pace and have the right feeling. For the moment, the riding demands a lot of concentration," he said.

In the overall standings, Despres leads two-time champion Coma by 2 minutes 35 seconds with Portugal's Faria third.

Today's third bikes stage to San Salvador de Jujuy includes a 521km special.

Agencies - Global Times