Dakar to move to South America?

[Bob]

The government of Chile are backing a proposal to move the Dakar Rally to South America.

The head of the Chilean Tourism Service, Oscar Santelices, said a formal letter will be sent next week to the France-based Amaury Sports Organization - organizers of the rally - expressing Chile's interest to host the event.

Chile's deputy sports Minister, Jaime Pizarro, added "the idea appears on the line with the official policy of hosting important international sports events."

No financial support would be committed however.

Spanish sports newspaper As reported that South America was being considered as an alternative to the Africa, following this years cancellation due to terrorist activity and that the rally could cross through Argentina, Brazil and Chile.

[Bob]

Argentina and Chile will host the 2009 Dakar Rally. The rally, which will be celebrating it’s 30th anniversary, will start and finish in Buenos Aires.

6,000km of special stages will feature on the 9,000km-long course.

"Signing-up priority will be given to the Dakar 2008 competitors," said Etienne Lavigne, director of the Dakar Rally. Competitors can sign up from 15th May.

[DingoZ]

Good deal. It's a great event and I figured the organisers would not let it be stopped. Countries were jumping at the chance to host it. The dollars it brings in is amazing not too mention the publicity for the hosting area...