Joan Barreda once again posted the quickest time during 2016 Dakar Rally Stage 4 but was penalized due to speed infractions (speeding in a link section). This time penalty was five minutes, which relegated Barreda from 1^st place in the stage to 4^th and from the overall lead to 3^rd in general ranking.

As part of the first marathon stage of this year’s Dakar, Stage 4 challenged riders with difficult sandy and rocky terrain in the upper elevations of Argentina while also forcing them to strive as best as possible to keep their machines and bodies in top working order. There are no mechanics or support team assistance available between Stage 4 and Stage 5, meaning there’s a definite advantage to the riders able to ride clean through the two days.

Paulo Goncalves, moved to the top of the timesheet for Stage 4 and in the overall classification. Rockstar Husqvarna’s Ruben Faria finshed Stage 4 in 2^nd position followed by Dakar rookie Kevin Benavides in 3rd. Benavides sits 2^nd overall after the stage followed by Barreda in third. KTM’s Antoine Meo rounded out the top-five in Dakar Rally Stage 4.

CS Santosh is now out of 2016 Dakar Rally, Santosh, finish the stage dead last. With a timing of 6hr 52min 25sec, he was 2hr 45min 06sec behind the stage leader. It is also reported that motorcycle electrical are shot and navigation tower on his Suzuki 450 Rally is also broken. He earlier managed to finish the stage 3 at 62^nd rank after being promoted to 87^th position in the overall standings.

Alain Duclos, Sherco TVS Rally team finished the 429km long stage 4 at 22^nd position and is at 10^th position in overall ranking. His team mate Joan Pedrero finished 20^th and 15^th overall. Florent Vayssade completed stage 4 in 38^th place and he is currently at 31^st position in overall ranking.