As the Dakar rally enters its fourth day, there's already plenty of drama. Reigning champions Mini are leading the way but this year's rally is already over for two of the Race2Recovery team.
Joan Roma is leading. He's ecstatic
The Dakar is being led by Joan "Nani" Roma is his yellow Mini ALL4 Racing (officially, definitely not a Countryman) after being quickest on the third day. Orlando Terranova finished fourth for the day and sits second overall, with Nasser Al Attiyah in third after taking seventh on the 301km (187 miles) from San Rafael to San Juan in Argentina. A Mini 1-2-3 as it stands then, and there are 11 entered too.
Today sees the teams tackle a mammoth 868km (539 miles) stage through Argentina, leaving San Juan destined for Chilechito. They'll face rivers and ravines along the way, with plenty of wide open spaces to make overtaking easier.
However, the Race2Recovery team will enter the fourth day without two of its cars. Both its Wildcats have succumbed to problems; the first car of Ben Gott and Philip Gillespie suffered a mechanical failure with Tony Harris and Quin Evans's car rolling down a sand dune. Despite being able to continue, the latter Wildcat had to be retired on safety grounds because of a damaged roll cage.
R2R Wildcats are out but the T4 truck continues
But the R2R truck soldiers on! The T4 support vehicle will remain in the Dakar even without the Wildcats to support. We'll keep you updated on that car's progress as it continues.
Even with the retirements, Race2Recovery has raised over £250,000 for Tedworth House Personnel Recovery Centre and Help for Heroes. Top work guys, all the best for next year and the upcoming Defender Challenge too.