Chinese driver Men Guangyuan has withdrawn from the Dakar Rally after ten days of competition.

Men, driving for team Mitsubishi, will quit the remaining six stages due to the car's mechanical failures.

After the 10th stage on Tuesday, Paladin's Xu Lang raised one place to 24th on the overall standings, while teammate Zhou Yong moved up to 44th.

Veteran Lu Ningjun also advanced to the 37th place on the standings.

(CRI English, January 11, 2006)