The former world rally champion Carlos Sainz has taken another step towards the 2010 Dakar Rally title after winning the 12th stage.
The Spaniard has opened up a 52-second gap over his Volkswagen teammate Nasser Al-Attiyah following the gruelling 796km run between San Juan and San Rafael.
Al-Attiyah was second on the day but time is running out for the Qatari driver with the race due to finish in Buenos Aires on Sunday.
Chile's Francisco Lopez won the motorcycling stage.
The Aprilia rider finished ahead of France's David Fretigne on a Yamaha, who was 40 seconds off the pace, with Norway's Pal Ullevalseter, on a KTM, 1min 13sec behind the winner.
Overall leader Cyril Despres of France, on a KTM, stayed in charge of the overall standings, an hour ahead of the Chilean, despite losing more than 17 minutes on the stage.
The rally is being held in South America because of security concerns in North Africa.