Peterhansel closes on Dakar Rally record

Stephane Peterhansel moved closer to a record 10th Dakar Rally victory after extending his lead over nearest rival Nani Roma as the endurance event entered its final destination of Peru today.

The Frenchman finished the 11th stage from Arica in Chile to Arequipa three minutes and 44 seconds ahead of Roma, a result which moved him 22 minutes, 49 seconds clear in the overall standings.

Peterhansel has won nine previous versions of the prestigious competition, winning six titles on a motorbike between 1991 and 1998 before switching to a car where he won in 2001, 2003 and 2005.

In the motorcycle category, fellow Frenchman Cyril Despres extended his lead over defending champion Marc Coma of Spain.
Despres' stage victory leaves him two minutes and 22 seconds ahead of the Spaniard.