BAS World KTM rider Mason Klein has lost the overall lead in the Bikes race at the Dakar Rally due to a penalty on Stage 8.
The American had finished second-fastest on the 346km special between Al Duwadimi and Riyadh, 1:33s behind Ross Branch (Hero Motosports).
However, a subsequent two-minute penalty for speeding means Klein drops to third on the stage and officially third in the overall classification also.
It makes for an even tighter race than had been the case when readers reached the Stage 8 finish line.
Howes leads by exactly 13 seconds over Red Bull KTM rider Kevin Benavides and Klein, with Toby Price fourth at 1:58s off the pace.
The top eight is covered by only 7:21s, whereas only the top three had been within 10 minutes of the lead after Stage 6.
Stage 7 was cancelled for the Bikes, but for the need for liaison to a new camp, before action resumed on the second Saturday of the event.
Riders have an official rest day now before Stage 9 on Tuesday.
Overall classification: Bikes Top 10, Updated
| Pos | Rider | Nat | Team | Time/Gap |
| 1 | Skyler HOWES | USA | Husqvarna Factory Racing | 30:34:16 |
| 2 | Kevin BENAVIDES | ARG | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | +0:00:13 |
| 3 | Mason KLEIN | USA | BAS World KTM Racing Team | +0:00:13 |
| 4 | Toby PRICE | AUS | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | +0:01:58 |
| 5 | Pablo QUINTANILLA | CHI | Monster Energy Honda Team | +0:02:45 |
| 6 | Adrien VAN BEVEREN | FRA | Monster Energy Honda Team | +0:02:49 |
| 7 | Daniel SANDERS | AUS | Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing | +0:07:03 |
| 8 | Joan BARREDA BORT | ESP | Monster Energy JB Team | +0:07:21 |
| 9 | Jose Ignacio CORNEJO FLORIMO | CHI | Monster Energy Honda Team | +0:19:32 |
| 10 | Matthias WALKNER | AUT | Red Bull KTM Factory Racing | +0:22:35 |
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