DAKAR, Jan 13: Japan’s Hiroshi Masuoka, driving a Mitsubishi, finally claimed his first victory in the Paris-Dakar Rally here Sunday after the completion of the 16th and final stage.

Italian Fabrizio Meoni won the motorcycle section on a KTM for his second straight title after a 69km loop around the Pink Lake — of which 31km was a special — won by compatriot Giovani Sala.

South African Alfie Cox came second on his KTM and Frenchman Richard Sainct (KTM), winner in 1999 and 2000, ending in third.

It was Japan, however, whose presence was most prominent on the podium as Masuoka was joined by compatriot Kenjiro Shinozuka who finished third behind last year’s winner Jutta Kleinschmidt of Germany.—AFP