Sainz loses lead

BUENOS AIRES: Spain's Carlos Sainz lost the lead in the Dakar Rally after running into trouble in sand dunes on a day when the controversial race was overshadowed by the death of French motorcycle rider Pascal Terry.

This year's race, which started in Buenos Aires last week, has also left British driver Paul Green and his navigator Matthew Harrison in serious condition in hospital after their car overturned during Saturday's first stage.

On Wednesday, a hospital spokesman told reporters that Green was taken off a breathing apparatus after his condition improved while Harrison remained stable and was still on artificial breathing.