Swiss sightseer a real desert daredevil in Xinjiang rally

Of average height, with gray hair and a slight paunch, Remy Vauthier does not exactly fit the mold of a rally driver.

The Swiss architect has raised a few eyebrows in the ongoing Taklimakan Rally in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, finishing last Sunday's first stage in a respectable 11th position despite motor sport being merely something of a hobby for him.

The Taklimakan Rally, which concludes on Thursday, has seen an increase in the number of overseas teams and drivers in recent years, but Vauthier might be the first competitor whose participation comes entirely out of his own pocket.