Leader Carlos Sainz crashed out of the Dakar Rally when he careered off the track during the 12th stage yesterday. Race organisers confirmed on the official website (www.dakar.com) that the Spaniard and his co-driver Michel Perin had abandoned the race and had been flown by helicopter back to the starting point at Fiambara. The incident happened after 79 kilometres of the 253-kilometre-timed section of the stage from Fiambara to La Rioja and left Perin needing medical treatment for a shoulder injury. Former world rally champion Sainz had won six out of the 10 stages including the last four in a row. Wednesday's 11th stage was cancelled due to bad weather.

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