SPEEDWAY Team GB boss Alun Rossiter hailed the exploits of Dorset-born Sam Sunderland after he became the first Briton to lift the Dakar Rally crown.

Sunderland, who was raised in Lytchett Minster, raced to victory in the motorcycling classification, sealing the title with a sixth-place finish in the 12th and final stage which ended in Argentina on Saturday.

The 27-year-old Red Bull KTM rider won the event at the third attempt, having previously entered in 2012 and 2014 with Honda, only to retire on each occasion due to mechanical problems.

In 2014, Sunderland, who is now based in Dubai, became the first British rider to win a stage of Dakar since John Deacon in 1998.

The 38th edition of the rally began in Asuncion, Paraguay and ran through Bolivia and Argentina. It is widely regarded as the world’s toughest motorcycle event.

Former Pirates skipper Rossiter, who led Team GB to a silver medal in last year's World Cup final, told the Daily Echo: "It is a magnificent achievement and right up there with any other in the world of motor sport.

"The Dakar Rally is gruelling and you have to be fearless to win it. He deserves all the plaudits."

Sunderland came home 32 minutes ahead of nearest challenger and Austrian team-mate Matthias Walkner, with Gerard Farres of Spain third overall, almost four minutes further back.

He secured the title after safely navigating the final special stage, a 40-mile race into the Argentine town of Rio Cuarto to hand Red Bull their 16th title in a row.