( CNN ) -- American Robby Gordon faces disqualification from the Dakar Rally after stewards recommended his removal from the race because his Hummer 's engine does not conform to regulations . The 43-year-old appeared the main challenger to car leader Stephane Peterhansel after winning both Monday and Tuesday 's stages , cutting the French driver 's advantage to almost six minutes . However , the ultimate decision over Gordon 's fate rests with the French Automobile Sport Federation ( FFSA ) , who must deliver their verdict within two months , although the loser could still appeal to motorsport 's global governing body , the FIA , should he be thrown out of the race . The stewards believe that Gordon 's modifying of the ventilation system , linked to his engine , improves its performance level -- a claim he denies . That appeal allowed Gordon to continue racing in the 377-kilometer 10th stage from Iquique to Arica in Chile , although his hopes took a further knock as he subsequently lost 15 minutes to stage winner Nani Roma of Spain after suffering damage to his car . `` I hit a rock with both right-side tires and , as you can see , this wheel is way out , so we 've got some broken parts , '' Gordon told reporters . Roma 's victory means he leapfrogs Gordon into second place overall , a massive 19 minutes and five seconds behind fellow Mini driver Peterhansel . Gordon is another 46 seconds adrift in third with just four stages remaining . Former motorbike star Peterhansel is bidding for a remarkable 10th overall win in the race and a fourth in the car section . Meanwhile , just 16 seconds now separate KTM riders Cyril Despres and Marc Coma in the motorcycle section after Wednesday 's stage , which was won by Joan Barreda Bort . Defending champion Coma finished second to his fellow Spaniard on the day , while France 's Despres came home fourth . `` It 's the tone that 's been set for the rally and I think we 'll keep on battling until the end , '' Roma told reporters . Both riders have won the race three times , alternating victory between each other over the last six seasons .
Robby Gordon is facing disqualification from this year 's Dakar Rally . Stewards want to throw the American out of the race over his Hummer 's engine . Marc Coma now just 16 seconds behind Cyril Despres in motorcycle section .