Defending Dakar motorcycle champion, Toby Price, has attacked on the second 275km special stage to hold a handy lead on this year’s South American classic.

After starting the stage in 17th position following a measured started on yesterday’s short (39km) opener, Price stormed on the Argentinian stage from Resestencia to San Miguel de Tucuman.

The Australian, the first non-European to have won the Dakar, was almost four minutes faster than Paulo Goncalves (Honda) with Xavier de Soultrait (Yamaha) also putting in a solid performance with the day’s third best time.

The stage was a new one for competitors with the region of Chaco including narrow tracks which kicked up plenty of dust in a setting reminiscent of the African Savannah.

Also like Africa there was many wild animals and flooded crossings, along with hot conditions.

“Today was a whole different day,” said Price who sits 2m54s ahead of Goncalves in the overall standings.

“There was a lot of speed; a lot of fast roads and it was really dusty. We also had to deal with a lot of animals.

“It wasn’t a tricky day in navigation but you can’t put a cow in the road book and it becomes difficult when they are popping out at you.

“But it’s good to get to the finish with this heat.”

On a good day for the Australian riders, Rod Faggotter was 10th on the stage and 13th overall.

A total of 22 minutes in penalties saw a 17th place stage time for Todd Smith drop him back to 52nd on the stage and 45th overall.

The only other Australian Matt Hart had a better day with the 35th fastest time. He has 15 minutes in penalties after an engine change yesterday and is 58th overall.

In the cars, WRC legend Sebastien Loeb left his mark on the category by dominating from start to finish.

The Frenchman kept his most fierce rival Nasser Al-Attiyah at bay and picked up his first stage victory of the year as well as the lead in the general standings.

The Peugeot driver has a lead of more than a minute over Al-Attiyah’s Toyota.

In third and fourth respectively is Carlos Sainz (Peugeot) and Giniel de Villiers (Toyota) lie in wait, but Stephane Peterhansel (Peugeot) lost precious minutes.

“Sure, I like to be in this position but it’s a bit early in the rally,” said Loeb.

“But it’s good to have a pace like that. Today was a stage that was really, really fast; a bit unusual. I hope tomorrow will be continue to be at the same rhythm for the fight.

“I think we did a good stage with no mistakes – that was the most important thing. It’s okay for tomorrow.”

After sitting second after the opening stage Ford Ranger driver Xavier Pons had a day of contrast after the Spaniard left the road with a rear wheel missing. He was forced to wait for his assistance team in order to finish the special.

In the quad race, Pablo Copetti fought an impressive duel with Nelson Sanabria and triumphed over the Paraguayan at the end of the special. The Argentinean is the new category leader in his native territory.

In the truck section Martin Van Den Brink (Renault) took the stage and leads Dmitry Sotnikov by over three minutes.

Tomorrow competitors face another 780km with 346 competitive kilometres from San Miguel de Tucuman to San Salvador De Jujuy.

VIDEO: Dakar Day 2