Britons remain in serious condition

British driver Paul Green and his navigator Matthew Harrison were in a serious condition yesterday after being involved in an accident in Argentina on the first stage of the Dakar rally. Both drivers are in hospital in the city of Santa Rosa after their vehicle overturned during Saturday's stage, which started in Buenos Aires.

"Green is suffering from a blow to the thorax and spine, he has been detained since 3 January with artificial breathing," Juan Jose San Emerito, head of the hospital's intensive care unit, said. "His situation is serious but with a favourable outlook, although with this type of injury can only be judged by what happens over several days as complications can occur. Harrison's [condition] is serious and the situation has not changed."

The Dakar rally was cancelled last year because of fears of terrorism in Mauritania. This year it is being held in Argentina and Chile.