Alphand pips McRae

Following his win on Wednesday, McRae was again on top form in his Nissan Pickup, but he couldn't do anything about Alphand, who won by over 14 minutes.

"We were relatively careful, because tomorrow's special stage will be no picnic either," said McRae. "It's important to take care of the car, and that is what we have done. We will work a bit on the car this evening, but nothing too important, the car did not suffer."

The Pickup of his team-mate, four-time winner Ari Vatanen, did suffer, however. He hit a tree at high speed, taking him out of the event.

"We were driving too quickly, too soon," said Vatanen. "Over a bump, the car lost balance and we were not able to avoid a tree. We uprooted it, but we also broke the car. We carried on for another two kilometres, but then we ran out of oil.

"I am very disappointed, because we had really put in a lot of effort between Tidjika and Nema. Many people, in our position, would have retired. It was my fault, and I think that I was driving too quickly. Physically, we are both fine. But as far as my morale goes, I am hurting. It is a great shame after all we have been through. However, my love for the Dakar remains intact."

Stephane Peterhansel, who finished third on Thursday, has an overall lead of 1hr 05m04s over Japan's Hiroshi Masuoka in another Mitsubishi. Former World Sportscar champion Jean-Louis Schlesser lies third, ahead of Alphand. McRae is now 16th overall.

Peterhansel Mitsubishi 43h46m03s
Masuoka Mitsubishi +1h05m04s
Schlesser Schlesser-Ford +2h31m44s
Alphand BMW +3h38m29s
Mayer Mitsubishi +5h21m35s
De Mevius BMW +5h41m42s