MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Anticipated success for 09 Dakar Rally in Argentina/Chile

Organizers of the Dakar Rally, to be held next year for the first time in Argentina and Chile, following suspension because of terrorist threats in Africa, confirmed a record number of pilots: 530, the highest since 1988. The list includes car, motorcycle, truck and four wheeled cycle pilots.

The 2009 version of the rally, January 3 to 18, covers 9.574 kilometers, of which 2.555 in Chile with the longest leg, 666 kilometers on January 13 crossing the Atacama Desert to the north of the country. "If competitors are happy that could be a crucial factor in determining whether to stay for one more editions" said Dakar director Etienne Lavigne, who was attending the launch of Chilean edition's official race route. "The countries crossed must also be happy - for the moment they are. We will see after if we can continue here". He added: "We are looking at the situation in Africa, the country where the Dakar is normally raced, but it is still complicated." "Dakar exists above all because of its discovery spirit and capacity to confront the unknown. On crossing the ocean the rally is ready to begin a new experience in accordance with its values, temperament…Argentina and Chile are giving the men who characterize Dakar the chance to maintain that high adventure spirit", said Lavigne. For ASO, the company organizing the event which was started in 1979, the number of competitors is essential: from the registry fees comes most of the financing for the rally, which has seen costs increase because of the change of scenario. So far the sum totals 9.7 million Euros. Each motorcycle and four wheeled cycle must pay 13.500 Euros; cars, 22.800 and the only truck so far, 24.000. This does not include the support vehicles and staff that must also pay to compete. Although the original budget has risen from 11 to 14 million Euros for having moved from Africa to South America, organizers are happy since together with registrations, sponsors and support from local governments, "the operation has become viable". "Before sailing across from Gibraltar and back cost in the range of 700.000 Euros, but now crossing the ocean costs 3 million and 21 days sailing", said Lavigne. The 2009 edition leaves Buenos Aires on January 3, six legs later crosses the Andes to Valaparaiso, for a day's rest, back to Argentina on the 15th and ends in the capital Buenos Aires, January 18th.