Spanish rally driver Carlos Sainz has the lead after the first stage of this year's Dakar Rally between Lisbon and Portimao, Portugal.
Sainz, in a Volkswagen, finished with a total time of 56:20. Carlos Sousa of Portugal in a Nissan was second 1:30 seconds back. Frenchman Bruno Saby in a VW was third, 1:51 behind the leader.
In the motorcycle category, defending champion Cyril Despres of France finished first aboard a KTM. His time of 58:10 was only four seconds ahead of another KTM rider, Ruben Faria of Portugal. Marc Coma of Spain, also on a KTM, was third.
Sunday's second stage travels from Portimao to Malaga in Southern Spain. The rally covers more than 9,000 kilometers and ends January 15 in Dakar, Senegal.