Chile's Carlo De Gavardo won the 444 kilometre timed section between Tan Tan and Zouerat on his KTM, while Frenchman Cyril Despres hurt his collarbone after falling at the 273km mark.

Spaniard Marc Coma retained the overall lead over Despres, who confirmed he was continuing in the race. Spain's Isidre Esteve Pujol is third overall.

In the car section, Frenchman Thierry Magnaldi took out the stage, while South African Giniel de Villiers, driving a Volkswagen, took the overall lead after finishing third.

Magnaldi was two minutes and 55 seconds faster than compatriot Jean-Louis Schlesser, with De Villiers finishing 3:46 minutes off the pace to leapfrog Spaniard Carlos Sainz at the top of the standings.

Volkswagen filled the top three places in the overall standings with Germany's Jutta Kleinschmidt 12 seconds adrift of Sainz, who was seventh in the stage.

The rally will remain in Mauritania on Friday with a 521km drive between Zouerat and Atar.