He won the stage by four minutes from Mitsubishi’s Nani Roma but the Volkswagen driver remains out of contention for overall victory as he counts the cost of various problems.

Sainz suffered engine problems yesterday and needed to be towed to the end of stage nine, losing two hours in the process.

That added to a catalogue of other troubles to leave him 10 hours off the pace in 12th on his Dakar Rally debut.

Stephane Peterhansel remains on course for a third consecutive victory after retaining his overall lead with third place on today’s stage.

The Mitsubishi driver has extended his overall advantage over team-mate Luc Alphand to 40 minutes after the former skiing champion lost time when he hit a tree.

However, Peterhansel admitted his day had not been an enjoyable one.

“It was not an easy stage at all,” he said. “Between the trees and the rocks it was very slow. It was not easy to open the road, even though it was a short stage.

“We had no problems with the car. It was so technical, turning in tight situations. It was difficult to find a rhythm.”

Following yesterday’s fatal accident involving Australian rider Andy Caldecott, the bike contingent did not compete today.

In memory of their fallen rival, the competitors completed the journey from Kiffa to Kayes without a timed special stage.

Isidre Esteve Pujol was not among the group. The Spaniard had been running second before crashing twice yesterday and he underwent surgery today on a ruptured spleen and head injuries in a Nouakchott hospital.

With just five stages remaining, Marc Coma leads Cyril Despres by 22 minutes.