Sainz ahead after stage one of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia

Carlos Sainz now leads Peterhansel by 8 seconds in the overall standings.

Jeddah (Saudi Arabia): Carlos Sainz won the opening stage of the car race in the Dakar Rally from Jeddah to Bisha, beating Stephane Peterhansel by 25 seconds.

Martin Prokop was third, nearly four minutes further behind.

Sainz now leads Peterhansel by 8 seconds in the overall standings.

Toby Price won the bike race.

Kevin Benavides and Matthias Walkner finished second and third, respectively, about half a minute behind Price.

Stage 2 is from Bisha to Wadi Ad-Dawasir on Monday (4th January).