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Hirvonen takes penultimate Dakar Rally stage

Xinhua, January 16, 2016 Adjust font size:

Finland's Mikko Hirvonen won the penultimate stage of the Dakar Rally on Friday, gaining the edge in a gripping battle with Mini teammate Nasser Al-Attiyah.

Hirvonen finished the 481km section from San Juan to Villa Carlos Paz in Argentina in five hours, 34 minutes and 17 seconds, just nine seconds ahead of last year's champions Al-Attiyah.

South Africa's Leeroy Poulter was third in his Toyota, 45 seconds behind Hirvonen.

Record-breaking Frenchman Stephane Peterhansel, who finished 10th in his Peugeot on Friday, remained the overall leader, 41 minutes clear of Qatari Al-Attiyah. Giniel de Villiers of South Africa was 27 minutes further back.

Peterhansel is hoping to win the race for a 12th time, the sixth in a car.

The final stage from Villa Carlos Paz to Cordoba was due to be held on Saturday. Endit