MADRID (AFP) - Former two-time world rally champion Carlos Sainz admitted on Friday that he was confident it would be a case of third-time lucky in the Dakar Rally which runs from January 5-20.

The 45-year-old believes that victory will be played out in Mauritania from January 11-19 after organisers were given the green light for the race to proceed as planned through the African state despite security fears.

"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," said Sainz, who 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 Rally, but finished ninth after mechanical problems.

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