Stephane Peterhansel of France drives his Peugeot down a mountain during the 10th stage of the Dakar Rally 2016 near Fiambala, Argentina, January 13, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

BUENOS AIRES - French driver Stephane Peterhansel regained the overall lead in the Dakar Rally by winning Wednesday's 10th stage in northern Argentina.

The 50-year-old, who has won the event a record 11 times, ended the 278km section from Belen to La Rioja in three hours, 58 minutes and 32 seconds.

His compatriot and Peugeot teammate Cyril Despres was second, almost six minutes behind, with Russia's Vladimir Vasilyev completing the podium in his Toyota, 13 minutes further back.

It was a disappointing day for overnight leader Carlos Sainz of Spain, who was left stranded just before the end due to a gearbox failure.

His son, Carlos Sainz junior, revealed that his 53-year father had left the race.

"I've received news that my father has abandoned this year's edition of the Dakar. What a great rally he was having", Sainz junior said on social media.

Peterhansel leads the overall standings by exactly an hour, with Mini driver Nasser Al-Attiyah second in a Mini and Toyota driver Giniel De Villiers of South Africa third.

Thursday's 11th stage was due to take place between La Rioja and San Juan over a distance of 431km.