Chile removed from Dakar 2016 plans

The Dakar Rally will not include stages in Chile as part of its route next year due to flooding in the country.

Chile has been a central part of the desert rally event since the Dakar moved to South America in 2009. However, while the flooding in the country has occurred several months ahead of the January 2016 rally, the efforts required by the local authorities to repair the damage will prevent Dakar organizers from being able to include it in its plans.

Dakar director Etienne Lavinge said: "We have carefully followed the situation and hope that despite these disasters, the region of the Atacama desert and the cities that were affected regain their vigor. But the many reconnaissance trips that are necessary, in collaboration with the many Chilean administrative services, cannot be carried out according to the calendar we have planned."

Chilean minister of sport Natalia Riffo added: "The country must adapt to the reality that our countrymen in the north are experiencing. The government's current priority is to help this region overcome and organize relief help. Then, we will take another look at hosting the Dakar in 2017, as we have each year."

The 2016 Dakar route will be revealed on April 16.

Originally on Autosport.com