The two top teams in the World Solar Challenge are only 20 minutes apart after travelling 1000 miles south from Darwin to Adelaide.

High winds have caused problems for some of the cars – with one lightweight vehicle being blown off the road and damaged beyond repair.

No such issues for Dutch outfit Team Nuon who currently lead the race as they set off from Coober Pedy, around 25km ahead of reigning champions Team Tokai from Japan.

Yesterday, teams had to cope with temperatures around 40C as they came through Alice Springs in the red centre of Australia. The lead cars are expected to finish on Thursday morning, Australia time.