Quintero Handed Opening Dakar Stage Win As Favourites Hold Back

American Seth Quintero led the two-week Dakar Rally on Saturday as race favourites in the car category slowed to secure better conditions for Sundays 48-hour Chrono stage in the Saudi Arabian desert.

French Mini driver Guerlain Chicherit was fastest in the 413-km first stage around the southwestern town of Bisha but Toyotas Quintero, who finished 50 seconds behind, was promoted hours later.

Quintero was credited with 95 seconds to make up for time lost when he stopped to assist Spaniard Laia Sanz, who had crashed.

Defending champion Carlos Sainz went against the flow by moving up to seventh but five - times winner Nasser Al-Attiyah dropped to 20th, nine - times world rally champion Sebastien Loeb was 24th and local contender Yazeed Al-Rajhi ended the day 21st.

Setting off first through the sea of dunes and over rough and rocky desert tracks is a disadvantage for a driver compared to those who follow.