Chinese drivers continued rising in the overall standings after Thursday's race. They're likely to break the Chinese record at the race.

Xu Lang, the Chinese leader, has moved up two spots to stand at 21 while teammate Zhou Yong is now ranked 46.

Veteran Lu Ningjun also moves up one spot to reach 33.

China's best record at the Dakar Rally was 19th overall, set by Zhou Yong last year.

(CRI English January 13, 2006)