Mitsubishi back in front in Dakar rally

PARIS - Japan's Kenjiro Shinozuka reclaimed the Dakar-Agades-Dakar rally lead for Mitsubishi on Monday when he won the 552-km third stage from Kayes to Nara in Mali.

Shinozuka overtook previous overall leader Jean-Louis Schlesser, in a Buggy, midway through the fast stage held in Peul territory in the north of Mali.

French team mate Bruno Saby was a constant threat to Shinozuka but two punctures ruined his chances.

Shinozuka led Schlesser by two minutes 41 seconds with Mitsubishi drivers Jean-Pierre Fontenay and Saby third and fourth, 4:12 and 4:33 behind respectively.

In the motorcycle section, Frenchman Stephane Peterhansel remained untouchable. The four times winner, riding a Yamaha, won his third successive stage.

But he had to fight off a tough challenge from Spain's Jordi Arcarons who finished just behind on his KTM.