Following the rest day in Antofagasta, the Dakar resumed action today with the route taking competitors to Copiapo. Chilean rider Francisco 'Chaleco' Lopez wins his second stage of the event and gets himself in a position to podium, but Cyril Depres still has a comfortable lead for first. X-Raid's Stephane Peterhansel won SS8 and overtook his teammate Chicherit to secure fourth in the overall standings. followed by the three Volkswagen powerhouses. Video after the jump.

For daily DAKAR 2010 Coverage, VISIT www.WorldRallySport.com

Today competitors had a rest day in Antofagasta at the mid-point of the Dakar 2010. With seven Special Stages remaining in the rally, a lot can still happen...and the best is yet to come. Video after the jump.

For daily Dakar 2010 Coverage, VISIT www.WorldRallySport.com

Going into Saturday's mid-point rest day in Antofagasta we saw the longest stage to date. Volkswagen stays strong as Nasser Al-Attiyah wins Stage 7 and teammate Carlos Sainz continues to lead the rally. X-Raid BMW's Peterhansel remains a potential threat to the VW crews despite having fallen far behind and Team HUMMER's Robby Gordon falls back to 10th overall in the standings.

Video after the jump.

For daily DAKAR 2010 Coverage, VISIT www.WorldRallySport.com

ACP Rally has released a video of their season highlights with clips from the numerous Canadian and U.S. national events they attended in 2009. Andrew "ACP" Comrie-Picard was declared the winner of the last year's North American Rally Championship (NARC) after the Rally of the Tall Pines in Bancroft, Ontario. The NOS Energy driver also won Rally Colorado outright, putting one of two Open Class Mitsubishis on the podium...an accomplishment we rarely see in the Rally America series. Video after the jump.

Stéphane Peterhansel wins the 53rd stage of his Dakar Rally career but the three Volkswagen Works crews remain consistently fast and continue to be within podium contention. Carlos Sainz still holds the overall lead.

In the Moto category, Marc Coma wins SS6 moving him up the standings to fourth overall and Italian rider Luca Manca suffered a serious fall and was evacuated from the track. Manca's condition is critical.

Video after the jump.

For daily DAKAR 2010 Coverage, VISIT www.WorldRallySport.com

"For 2010, we’re delighted to introduce RALLYE SUNSEEKER HISTORIQUE: a brand new National B permit rally, exclusively for registered contenders in the HRCR Stage Rally Challenge & Mini Cup." The RALLYE SUNSEEKER HISTORIQUE includes:

* Total stage distance over 35 miles: using 7 single-usage, all gravel forestry stages, all on 1 day;

* Running ahead of the main Nat A RALLYE SUNSEEKER means first usage of ALL stages;

* Friday afternoon Scrutiny & Documentation indoors at the popular Littledown Centre with commentary & driver interviews for spectators;

* Somerley Park stately home hosts a spectator stage and the family-friendly Motorfair, welcoming the Richard Burns Foundation with 6 cars from their world-famous Collection, plus classic car displays, trade stands, hospitality, kids activities & demonstration runs;

* Canford Park Arena welcomes spectators & crews to the spacious, well-appointed Service Area; competitors will benefit from dedicated car wash and refuelling facilities;

* NEW Poole Quay Ceremonial Start: a Civic Welcome reception & photocall before being flagged off in style against a picturesque backdrop of waterfront bars & restaurants;

For Regulations go to www.rallyesunseeker.co.uk

Volkswagen continues to dominate the leaderboard as American driver Mark Miller claims the first stage win of his career and teammate Carlos Sainz takes the overall rally lead with Nasser Al-Attiyah behind him. X-Raid's Stéphane Peterhansel fell back in the standings after encountering mechanical issues with his BMW X3 on stage. Team Hummer's Robby Gordon moves up to fourth place overall.

Video after the jump.

For Daily DAKAR 2010 Coverage, VISIT: www.WorldRallySport.com

Monster Energy and FORD have teamed up with Ken Block to form a new World Rally team that will be campaigning select WRC events in 2010 with Ford Focus RS WRC. The 2010 season willmainly be used as a development year and the team will step up their program in 2011. Block will also be running Rally America events and ESPN X Games' Rally component in an M-Sport prepared Ford Fiesta S2000. This video is an introduction to the new MONSTER WORLD RALLY TEAM.

Video after the jump.

You can read the FULL STORY here:
http://www.worldrallysport.com/node/5139

More info about MWRT:
www.monsterworldrallyteam.com

Follow MWRT on Twitter:
www.twitter.com/MWRT

Dakar SS4 Highlights: After a fairly rough start to the rally, Gordon's HUMMER performed amazingly in the Atacama desert's sand dunes as he posted today's fastest stage time beating X-Raid Team's Peterhansel by one second. Peterhansel still holds the overall rally lead while the Volkswagen Works crews continue to keep the pressure on the top contenders. Video after the jump.

For Daily DAKAR 2010 Coverage, VISIT www.WorldRallySport.com

Just a few hours ago, USA TODAY's Nate Ryan let the cat out of the bag, announcing that American Rally driver and DC Shoes co-founder Ken Block has confirmed a deal to run select World Rally Championship events with a newly formed Monster Energy FORD team.

Rumors about Block going to the WRC and forming a two-car team with Australian driver Chris Atkinson have been circulating since the Fall of 2009. So far, what we know is that Block will be campaigning a Ford Focus WRC this season making his debut on the Corona Rally Mexico round in early Spring and will continue to compete in the Rally America series running a Ford Fiesta. Block is realistic about his expectations and stated that 2010 will be a development year for him.

A formal public announcement has yet to be released by Ken Block Racing, Monster Energy, Ford Racing, or the WRC.

WRS will keep you posted on further developments.

You can read the FULL story on USATODAY.com here:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/2010-01-05-rally-block_N.htm?csp=us...

PHOTO: FORD Racing

Thanks to Neil McDaid and Ed Stockline for the tip.