HAMI, July 19, 2016 (Xinhua) -- X-Raid team driver Harry Hunt and co-driver Andras Schulz drive their car during the 9th special stage of the Silkway Rally in Hami, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on July 18, 2016. French driver Cyril Despres continued the overall lead in the Silkway Rally by winning the 9th stage. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)
HAMI, China, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Cyril Despres extended his overall lead in the Silkway Rally after winning 9th stage here on Monday.
The 42-year-old Frenchman ended the 384km selective section from Urumqi to Hami in 3 hours, 38 minutes and 42 seconds.
His Peugeot teammates, Sebastien Loeb and Stephane Peterhansel, finished second and third respectively.
The victory extended Despres' overall standing over his compatriot Loeb to more than 12 minutes. Yazeed Mohamed Al Rajhi was third, a further 15 minutes off the pace.
Chinese driver Han Wei finished 8th in this stage with 4 hours, 16 minutes and 32 seconds and ranked 7th in the overall standings.
Tuesday's 10th stage will take place between Hami and Dunhuang over a distance of 525km.
HAMI, July. 19, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Competitors race during the 9th special stage of the Silkway Rally in Hami, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on July 18, 2016. French driver Cyril Despres continued the overall lead in the Silkway Rally by winning the 9th stage. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)
