URUMQI, May 30 (Xinhua) -- The Taklimakan Rally pushed competitors to their limits Friday as they tackled the eighth stage (SS8) -- widely regarded as one of the toughest stages of this year's event.

The 338-kilometer stretch cut deep into the Taklimakan Desert, confronting drivers with extreme heat, sandstorms and rapidly shifting light -- all of which created a punishing test of physical endurance, navigation precision and vehicle resilience.

For motorcyclists, it was the most grueling challenge yet.

Martin Michek of the Chongqing Hoto Factory Team, a Czech rider and current overall leader, said his navigation equipment "almost completely failed" in the sandstorm, forcing him to rely on manual methods to stay on course.

"It wasn't about competition today -- it was about safety," said the Czech rider. "We even worked to clear safer paths for those behind us. It became about survival."

His teammate, Lithuanian rider Arunas Gelazninkas, currently sits second in the overall motorcycle standings, roughly 20 minutes behind Michek, with a considerable gap between him and the rest of the field. A title for the Czech rider is now within reach -- if he can hold on.

Meanwhile, the car category saw fierce battles and strong showings of strategy and resilience.

Liu Yangui of the Shaanxi Yunxiang Racing Club started fifth and finished third, crediting his result to solid teamwork and thorough physical preparation.

"This year's stage length is nearly double last year's," Liu said. "Though we finished about an hour later than expected, our performance was in line with our strategy. From here on, it's about zero mistakes - every corner matters."

With two more days of racing through the N39 Desert Scenic Area in Makit County, Kashgar Prefecture, still ahead, victory -- or defeat -- now rests in the hands of those who can endure the final stretches. Enditem