As for the 8th stage of the Silk Way Rally, this leg comprised a different challenge as competitors would be racing through the desert amid temperatures that reached above 40-degrees Celsius. 

The scorching environment was at least nothing new to Saudi Arabian, Al Rajhi Yazeed Mohamed. Driving for the Mini ALL4 Racing team, Al Rajhi overtook leader Sebastien Loeb near the finish, completing the 256km selective section from Bortala to Urumqi in 3 hours, 10 minutes and 24 seconds.

Loeb of France was second in his Peugeot, 31 seconds behind. Loeb's compatriot Stephane Peterhansel was third while Cyril Despres in his Peugeot was fourth in this section and continues to lead the overall standings by 6 minutes and 58 seconds. Chinese driver Zhou Yong finished in 10th place.

Monday's ninth stage will start in Urumqi and finish in Hami, and will cover a distance of 719-kilometers.