Two-time defending champion Hiroshi Masuoka gained ground on overall leader Stephane Peterhansel after finishing the 13th stage of the Dakar Rally in second place Wednesday.
Hiroshi Masuoka of Japan drives his Mitsubishi during the 13th stage of the Dakar Rally.
Japanese Mitsubishi driver Masuoka, second in the standings, completed the 478-km stage between Malian capital Bamako and Ayoun el Atrous in 6 hours, 17 minutes, 25 seconds to close the gap on French teammate Peterhansel to 1:02:29.
Britain's former world rally champion Colin McRae won the 13th stage, finishing 25 minutes ahead of Masuoka.