BUENOS AIRES // The Dakar Rally leader Carlos Sainz has abandoned the race after his Volkswagen careened into a ravine. He is not believed to have been seriously injured. Sainz, a two-time world rally champion, and his French co-driver Michel Perin were taken by helicopter to Fiambala, where the 12th stage had begun, the Dakar Rally's website said. According to the site, Perin may have injured his shoulder during the accident at the 79km mark of the 253km stage from Fiambala to La Rioja.
Sainz, who had won six of the 10 stages so far, began Thursday's stage more than 27 minutes ahead of Volkswagen teammate Mark Miller of the United States and 41 mins 13 secs ahead of Giniel De Villiers. The Spaniard was in third place at the first checkpoint, 43 seconds behind Miller after 62km. Miller was leading at the second checkpoint. *AP
