Former two-time world rally champion Carlos Sainz has hinted at a belief that he will win the Dakar Rally at the third attempt.

The 45-year-old driver believes that the Mauritania stages, held between January 11-19, will prove crucial. Organisers were given the green light for the race to proceed as planned through the African state despite security fears.

The total race runs from January 5 to 20.

"Victory will be played out during these stages [in Mauritania]," said Sainz, who will be behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Touareg.

"It's all to play for."

Sainz however conceded that he has less experience than France's Stephane Peterhansel, winner last year for Mistubishi.

Sainz, the world rally champion in 1990 and 1992, won five stages of last year's Dakar, but finished ninth after mechanical problems.

"For me the important thing isn't winning stages, but winning the Dakar," the Spaniard added."That's why I've been preparing for this all year."

AFP