Banco Fator, the investment bank advising the government on the sale, insists that adequate provision has been made for any remaining bad debts, plus any liabilities for staff pensions, tax arrears and other hidden horrors that often come to light when a Brazilian company is sold.

ECONOMIST: Brazilian banks

Frenchman Cyril Despres finished seventh on the stage, over four minutes in arrears, but retains the overall lead with just three stages of the race remaining.

CNN: Al-Attiyah closes gap on leader Sainz