Carlos Sainz sealed an important stage six Dakar win as main challenger Stephane Peterhansel faded to third.

Veteran Volkswagen driver Sainz cemented his overall lead by finishing the 456km special in four hours, 53 minutes and 53 seconds.

He beat team-mate Nasser Al-Attiyah of Qatar by nine seconds.

Frenchman Peterhansel finished 12:25 back and slid to third in the general classification.

Eurosport