MOTORSPORT/Dakar Rally:Spaniard Jordi Viladoms, riding a KTM, claimed his first success in the Dakar Rally when he snatched the sixth stage over 817km from Tan Tan in Morocco to Zouerat in Mauriania.

Viladoms completed the 394km timed section to finish 57 seconds ahead of compatriot and team-mate Marc Coma who retained the overall lead in the motorcycle standings.

"I'm really happy but a little bit surprised too," Viladoms said. "I knew I was riding fast as I managed to catch up Cyril Despres, but I thought Marc (Coma) and Isidre (Esteve) were way in front."

Viladoms moved up to sixth in the standings while Coma is leading Esteve by 12 minutes.

In the automobile section, Americans Robby Gordon and Andy Grider, driving a Hummer, were fastest with a time of two hours 58 minutes and 57 seconds.

Jean-Louis Schlesser, looking for a second stage success in his Buggy, was 17 seconds behind.