URUMQI, May 21 -- Three-time winner Han Wei claimed victory in the first stage of Taklimakan Rally on Tuesday, while Frenchman Lavieille Christian led the T1 4WD group.

Christian grabbed the lead when his team BAIC Motor also showed a dominant performance in the 144.23km special stage. His teammates Wang Hai and Liu Yangui were behind him.

Han Wei drove it safe to finish after suffering a broken exhaust pipe, but still maintained the advantage in the T1 2WD group.

"The ditches in the Gobi had a great impact on racing, which forced me to choose a more conservative driving style," Han Wei said.

Armand Hernandez, the winner of past three years, enjoyed an advantage over local campaigner Zakir Yhep from team Wu Bao, who was second.

"It's never easy in the rally stage, and I need to get used to my motorbike on the first day. I'm satisfied with today's performance," the Spanish rider said.

The competition will move on to Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture with a 216.81km special stage on Wednesday.

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