Nasser Al-Attiyah wins second stage of Dakar Rally

Toyota’s driver Nasser Al-Attiyah of Qatar and his co-driver Mathieu Baumel of France compete during Stage 2 of the Dakar Rally 2021 between Bisha and Wadi Ad-Dawasir in Saudi Arabia, on January 4, 2021. (AFP)

• Peterhansel, a 13-time winner of the race, leads the overall standings
• Spain’s Joan Barreda took the second stage in the motorbike category

WADI AD-DAWASIR, Saudi Arabia: Nasser Al-Attiyah of Qatar won the second stage of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia on Monday ahead of rivals Stephane Peterhansel and Carlos Sainz.

That's how you deal with the dunes.

@CSainz_oficial #Dakar2021 pic.twitter.com/oe4FqeZfPM

— DAKAR RALLY (@dakar) January 4, 2021

The three-time winner of the Dakar sped through the 457-kilometre stage from Bisha to Wadi ad-Dawasir in 4hr 03min 14sec to take the victory after reigning champion Sainz won Sunday’s opening stage.

PHOTOS: Dakar Rally Day Two - Nasser Al-Attiyah takes second stage

Peterhansel, a 13-time winner of the race, leads the overall standings with Spaniard Sainz 6min 37sec behind and Al-Attiyah just over nine minutes back.

"El Clásico" #Dakar2021 edition pic.twitter.com/qABCcsQEmH

— DAKAR RALLY (@dakar) January 4, 2021

Spain’s Joan Barreda took the second stage in the motorbike category, finishing ahead of American rider and title holder Ricky Brabec, who is also on a Honda.

Brabec has a lot of time to claw back after trailing in almost 20 minutes behind Australian Toby Price in Sunday’s first stage after losing his way in the desert terrain.