Howes, riding for the factory Husqvarna team, briefly lost the lead to compatriot Mason Klein after Stage 8 on Sunday, but was promoted back to the head of the standings when his rival was penalised for speeding.
Klein, the 21-year-old who is contesting only his second Dakar on a privateer KTM, secured his first stage win on the second day of the Saudi Arabian event to announce himself as a potential contender for victory a year on from finishing ninth overall and top rookie in 2022.
