Leading positions in Paris-Dakar after Stage 8 (1995-01-09)

Leading positions in the Paris-Dakar rally after eighth leg over 315 miles from Zouerate, Mauritania today: Cars

1 P Lartigue Citroen 33:35:03 2 B Saby Mitsubishi +20:23 3 K Shinozuka Mitsubishi +2:38:04 4 J-P Fontenay Mitsubishi +3:12:16 5 J-L Schlesser Buggy +6:23:20 Motorcycles

1 J Arcarons Cagiva 39:15:17 2 S Peterhansel Yamaha +7:15 3 T Magnaldi Yamaha +11:18 4 E Orioli Cagiva +27:31 5 O Gallardo Cagiva +1:25:16

Brief commentary:

Ari Vatanen's hopes of winning a 5th Paris-Dakar title went amiss after his radiator was broken on his Citroen during the eight stage of the rally. He apparently was able to buy water from some nomads but his car broke down again shortly afterwards and he had to give up, his car lying stranded in the desert.

The lead was taken over by his team-mate Pierre Lartigue during a tough day, which was characterised by winds whipping up a sandstorm.

Peter