Roma wins first Dakar stage

Spain's Nani Roma, driving a BMW, won the opening stage of the Dakar Rally on Saturday, a 294km timed run from Buenos Aires to Cordoba.

Roma finished in 10th place overall in 2009 driving for the Mitsubishi team which opted against returning to the gruelling event this year.

France's David Casteu, on a Sherco, won the opening motorcycling stage.

Casteu just edged out compatriot and KTM rider Cyril Despres, the 2005 and 2007 champion, while race favourite Marc Coma of Spain, on another KTM, was 12 seconds off the pace.

Spain's Jordi Viladoms, on a KTM, Chile's Francisco Lopez, on an Aprilia, and French Yamaha rider David Fretigne made up the top six.