Sainz is out of the overall running despite his stage win

Nani Roma was second, just over four minutes behind, with overall leader Stephane Peterhansel third.

Peterhansel is 40 minutes ahead of former ski star Luc Alphand overall, with Giniel de Villiers third.

Competitors in the motorcycle category agreed the stage would not be timed to honour Australian biker Andy Caldecott, who died in a crash on Monday.

The 41-year-old, who was married with one child, became the 23rd competitor to die in the rally's 28 years.

Spain's Marc Coma leads the motorcycle race with French rider Cyril Depres in second place.

Peterhansel said he had struggled with the conditions on Tuesday.

"It was not an easy stage at all," he said. "Between the trees and the rocks it was very slow.

"We had no problems with the car but it was difficult to find a rhythm."

Stage 10 results:
1. Carlos Sainz, Spain, Volkswagen, 3 hours, 28 minutes, 34 seconds
2. Nani Roma, Spain, Mitsubishi, 4:08 behind
3. Stephane Peterhansel, France, Mitsubishi, 4:58
4. Marc Miller, United States, Volkswagen, 6:48
5. Jutta Kleinschmidt, Germany, Volkswagen, 8:06

Overall Standings:
1. Stephane Peterhansel, France, Mitsubishi, 38 hours, 9 minutes, 58 seconds
2. Luc Alphand, France, Mitsubishi, 40:04 behind
3. Giniel de Villiers, South Africa, Volkswagen, 1:03:17
4. Nani Roma, Spain, Mitsubishi, 1:35:24
5. Jutta Kleinschmidt, Germany, Volkswagen, 1:59:32