China's young driver Xu Lang took over the leading place of the Chinese squad from veteran Lu Ningjun, after finishing 50th during the fourth stage of the Lisbon-Dakar Rally.

Xu Lang, driving a Nissan, clocked a time of five hours and 47 minutes to finish the 386km timed section.

Xu's overall standing in the past four days roared two places to 47th.

Lu wound up the day's race in the 93rd position. His overall standing slipped to the 73rd.

China's youngest driver Meng Guangyuan of Mitsumisnhi has sunk to 90th position.

So far, another Chinese driver Zhou Yong of Nissan is still on his way to Ouarzazate.

(CRI English January 4, 2006)