Dakar Rally organisers remain optimistic amid a global economic downturn that has raised doubts about competitor turnout in 2010.

Carlos Sainz crashed out of the Dakar on Thursday when his Volkswagen tumbled into a ravine and rolled over, robbing the rally champion of victory.

American Mark Miller and South African co-driver Ralph Pitchford recorded the fourth best time of the day in the fourth stage of the Dakar Rally.