Carlos Sainz of Spain keeps lead heading into final stage of Dakar Rally

Sainz keeps Dakar lead heading into final stage

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Carlos Sainz of Spain kept his overall lead heading into the final stage of the Dakar Rally.

Sainz leads by 2 minutes, 48 seconds over Volkswagen teammate Nasser Al-Attiyah going into Saturday’s final leg ending in Buenos Aires. After nearly 46 hours of racing, American Mark Miller was a distant third.

Stephane Peterhansel won Friday’s 13th stage in 2 hours, 58 minutes, 25 seconds, with Al-Attiyah 1:21 behind. Sainz was fourth in the 229-mile stage.

In the motorbike race, French rider Cyril Despres maintained his commanding overall lead, finishing second Friday behind Pal Anders Ullevalseter of Norway.

Despres leads the overall standings by 1:04:12.