McRae hits new trouble

However, the Scot still managed to set the fifth fastest time on the stage and remains in third overall, albeit over 40 minutes off the lead.

Event leader Hiroshi Masuoka doubled his advantage at the head of the field with the fastest time on the stage, moving 11m42s ahead of his Mitsubishi team-mate Stephane Peterhansel.

However, the Japanese driver was among several competitors who had a scary moment when an armed soldier held them up shortly after crossing the border into Mauritania.

"He said 'stop and give me some money'," explained Masuoka. "But I didn't give him anything and I took back my passport. It's the first time it's happened to me and I hope it will be the last."

One big name to exit the event today was former world rally champion Miki Biaison, who failed to start the stage after mechanical troubles with his Mitsubishi.

Masuoka Mitsubishi 13h40m58s
Peterhansel Mitsubishi +11m42s
McRae Nissan +41m29s
De Mevius BMW +43m59s
Schlesser Schlesser-Ford +48m04s
Mayer Mitsubishi +1h20m54s