Dakar Rally to kick off in South America

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-01-01 10:45

BUENOS AIRES - The Dakar Rally takes place in South America for the second straight year in 2010 with organizers hoping the 32nd edition of the world's most famous rally a big success.

The 2009 off-road race was moved to Argentina and Chile from North Africa amid fears of terrorist attacks and this year's event starts on January 1 in Buenos Aires, finishing 14 stages later in the Argentine capital on January 17.

In between, competitors will have to endure a 9,000-kilometer trek across the mountains and deserts of Argentina and Chile, crossing the provinces of Buenos Aires, Cordoba, San Luis and San Juan before tackling the giant dunes of the Atacama Desert and travelling through La Pampa.

A total of 138 cars, 50 trucks and 184 bikes and quads are registered to compete and while Giniel de Villiers claimed Volkswagen's first Dakar victory in a Touareg last year, the South African will be driving in a VW Amorak pick-up this time around.

Also competing in an Amorak for VW will be Carlos Sainz, who failed to finish while leading in 2009, and team newcomer Nasser Al Attiyah.

China will have its first official team in the race courtesy of the presence of carmaker Chery. Lu Ningjun, a five-time Dakar veteran, will lead the driver lineup with Jiang Yaoheng as the other driver.