Spanish driver Carlos Sainz won the Dakar Rally for the third time on Friday.

In his X-raid Mini, the 57-year-old crossed the line in the 12th and final stage 6 minutes 21 seconds ahead of nearest challenger and reigning champion Nasser al-Attiyah of Qatar.

Sainz has now won the Dakar Rally with three different manufacturers, having previously triumphed with Volkswagen in 2010 and Peugeot in 2018.

Stephane Peterhansel was third at 9 minutes 58 seconds behind in his Mini. Both the Frenchman and Sainz won four stages in the 12-day, 7,800-kilometer race.

Ricky Brabec triumphed in the motorbike section for Honda, becoming the first US rider to win the gruelling race.

Two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso finished 13th on his Dakar debut, nearly five hours behind the winner.