Carlos Sainz wins Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia as Fernando Alonso finishes back in 13th place

Veteran Spanish driver victorious in marathon event for third time

Carlos Sainz, of Spain is lifted in the air by fellow drivers Nasser Al-Attiyah and Stephane Peterhansel after sealing victory in the Dakar Rally on Friday. AP

Driver Carlos Sainz celebrates at the end of Stage 12. AP

Moto's US rider Ricky Brabec prepares for the start of the stage 12 between Haradh and Qiddiya, in Haradh, Saudi Arabia. AFP

Saudi Abdullah Saleh and Jordanian Moad Alarja during Stage 11 of the Dakar Rally between Shubaytah and Haradh, in Saudi Arabia on Thursday. EPA

Polish rider Maciej Giemza during Stage 11. EPA

Dutch' rider Paul Spierings rides during the Stage 11 of the Dakar 2020 between Shubaytah and Haradh. AFP

Argentinia's Luciano Benavides during Stage 11. AFP

Jose Ignacio Cornejo Florino of Chile during Stage 11. AP

Skyler Howes of United States rides his Husqvarna during Stage 11. AP

Driver Stephane Peterhansel, of France, and Portuguese co-driver Paulo Fiuza during Stage 11.

Veteran Spanish driver Carlos Sainz won the Dakar Rally for the third time on Friday, finishing with a comfortable winning margin in the first running of the event in Saudi Arabia.

The 57-year-old crossed the line in the 12th and final stage 6min 21sec ahead of nearest challenger and reigning champion Nasser al-Attiyah of Qatar, who had managed to cut Sainz's lead to just 24 seconds on Tuesday but fell back after navigation errors.

"I feel very happy. There's a lot of effort behind this. A lot of training, practice," Sainz said.

"It has been a flat out rally since the beginning. It was fantastic, a first time in Saudi Arabia, of course you can always improve but it was a fantastic effort."

Asked about defending his title next year, Sainz said: "It's too early to think about it, let me enjoy this."

Two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso finished 13th in his Dakar debut, a distant 4hr 42min 47sec behind the winner.

Sainz, the father of F1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr., seized control of the race from the third stage in his X-raid Mini.

He has now won the Dakar with three different manufacturers, having previously triumphed with Volkswagen in 2010 and Peugeot in 2018.

Stephane Peterhansel was third at 9min 58sec behind in his Mini. Both the Frenchman and Sainz won four stages in the marathon 12-day, 7,800km race.

Ricky Brabec triumphed in the motorbike section for Honda, becoming the first US rider to win the gruelling race.

Alonso notched one stage victory on his Dakar debut but his first participation was a bruising affair as the 38-year-old Spaniard suffered a double rollover in the 10 stage after hitting a dune at an awkward angle.

The race was marred by the death of Portuguese rider Paulo Goncalves during Sunday's seventh stage.