Dakar Rally

Meoni back in front as penalty reduced
More controversy surrounded the Dakar on Sunday as Fabrizio Meoni re-took the lead of the bike category - even though it was a rest day. The Italian had his ten-minute time penalty reduced to two minutes after officials adjudged he did not leave the racing lane on purpose during stage seven.
DAKAR 2005: Schlesser stage 9 analysis
The decision restores Meoni to the lead by 1min 31secs over fellow KTM rider Cyril Despres.
Even though he accepted Meoni's infringement was accidental, under-fire race director Patrick Zaniroli defended the penalty.
"The rule is the same for all rally raids," he said.
"In Meoni's case, the route was curved and he cut a corner. He didn't do it on purpose and we're not accusing him of that.
"He was focusing on his race and it was impossible to see because of the sand storm, but it gained him time and that's why he was penalised."
LUCKY PETERHANSEL
Car leader Peterhansel thanked his lucky stars for Sunday's rest day as Mitsubishi mechanics completely rebuilt his engine, wrecked on stage nine.
The French two-time Dakar winner was towed to the end of Saturday's leg by team-mate Hiroshi Masuoka after mis-timing pistons destroyed his engine valves.
With a full day to work on Peterhansel's stricken car - and engine designer making a timely appearance in Atar - Mitsubishi succeeded in getting his machine back on the road.