MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Dakar rally 2011 edition to be again shared by Argentina and Chile

The competition is followed world wide by more than 190 countries

After two editions in South America, the organizers of the Dakar announced from Paris that the world’s leading rally-raid will take place again in Argentina and Chile in 2011.

“The excellent relations built up with the two countries, the vital assets in sporting terms, as well as the swell of enthusiasm seen amongst spectators last January, have led the Dakar team to propose a third installment in Argentina and Chile for the 2011 edition, which will take place from 1st to 16th January” said an official release.

For Enrique Meyer, the Argentine Secretary of State for Tourism, “being able to count with the Dakar again is a dream come true for Argentina. For the last two years, in addition to the sporting aspect, we have displayed to the whole wide world (more than 190 countries) our landscapes and people. We are very proud to welcome the Dakar again and have worked very hard to be able to do so”.

Furthermore, the new Minister for Sports in Chile, Ruiz Tagle, explains, “It is an honor for Chile to be confirmed as a co-host of the Dakar 2011. We are convinced that this veritable international festival of sport is a perfect way of showing the unique sites of our country to the rest of the world. We would like to underline the importance of this event at a time when our country is suffering the consequences of a devastating earthquake. This Dakar will help us look toward the future and demonstrate that Chile is capable of overcoming such misfortune”.

For the coming years, the rally organizers are continuing to work on several projects, in particular the possibility of a return to the African continent.

Important dates for organization of the rally:

15th May 2010: Enrolment for the rally opens on www.dakar.com; End of November 2010: Vehicles from Europe will board at Le Havre for the trans-Atlantic crossing
30th and 31st December 2010; Scrutinizing in Buenos Aires 1st January 2011: Briefing, starting ceremony and departure to the first bivouac
2nd to 15th January 2011: Dakar Rally 2011 Argentina-Chile 16th January 2011: Finishing ceremony in Buenos Aires.
The detailed route and sporting news will be unveiled at a press conference in Paris on 29th April.