2019 Dakar Rally in jeopardy amid Peru financial concerns

The fate of the 2019 Dakar Rally appears to be hanging in the balance, with sole host country Peru reportedly threatening to pull out over financial concerns

Last month, Dakar organiser ASO announced a 2019 route taking place entirely inside Peru following Bolivia's withdrawal and Chile dropping out of a planned return at the last minute.

It has emerged the agreement made between ASO and the Peruvian government is merely a preliminary document, with a final agreement needing to be made no later than June 30.

Several media outlets in Peru have now reported that the country is considering pulling out because the government's "preliminary economic analysis" of hosting the Dakar is negative.

It is understood Peru would have to pay around $6million (£4.6m) to ASO as a hosting fee, in addition to other expenses in infrastructure, security and logistics worth up to $25m (£19.1m).

The economic return that Peru received for hosting the first five stages of this year's event is estimated to be around $40.5m (£30.9m).

A final decision is set to be communicated on Thursday at 7pm local time.

President of the Council of Ministers Cesar Villaneuva said: "It is obvious that [the Dakar] attracts the eyes [of the world] towards Peru and we are in a good economic moment and this would be a showcase to promote our country.

"We want to make all possible efforts to make the Dakar 2019, but it will be determined in the coming hours."

The ASO refused to comment on the situation when contacted by Autosport, but it has already commenced preparations on the road book.

shares
comments

Carlos Sainz Sr in 2019 Dakar Rally talks with Toyota and Mini

Peru agrees to host Dakar Rally, ending doubt over 2019 event

The positive future implications of Audi's creditable Dakar debut

The positive future implications of Audi's creditable Dakar debut

Plus
Plus
Dakar
Dakar
Rachit Thukral

The positive future implications of Audi's creditable Dakar debut The positive future implications of Audi's creditable Dakar debut

How Prodrive plans to use trial by Dakar to spur it to victory

How Prodrive plans to use trial by Dakar to spur it to victory

Plus
Plus
Dakar
Tom Howard

How Prodrive plans to use trial by Dakar to spur it to victory How Prodrive plans to use trial by Dakar to spur it to victory

Why Loeb has joined forces with an old enemy for Dakar

Why Loeb has joined forces with an old enemy for Dakar

Plus
Plus
Dakar
Sergio Lillo

Why Loeb has joined forces with an old enemy for Dakar Why Loeb has joined forces with an old enemy for Dakar

Richards on Prodrive's new Dakar challenge

Richards on Prodrive's new Dakar challenge

Plus
Plus
Dakar
Sergio Lillo

Richards on Prodrive's new Dakar challenge Richards on Prodrive's new Dakar challenge

Why Alonso is already exceeding expectations in Dakar bid

Why Alonso is already exceeding expectations in Dakar bid

Plus
Plus
Dakar
Sergio Lillo

Why Alonso is already exceeding expectations in Dakar bid Why Alonso is already exceeding expectations in Dakar bid

What Alonso learned from his best Dakar test yet

What Alonso learned from his best Dakar test yet

Plus
Plus
Dakar
Sergio Lillo

What Alonso learned from his best Dakar test yet What Alonso learned from his best Dakar test yet

Why Alonso must heed Loeb's Dakar failures

Why Alonso must heed Loeb's Dakar failures

Plus
Plus
Dakar
Valentin Khorounzhiy

Why Alonso must heed Loeb's Dakar failures Why Alonso must heed Loeb's Dakar failures

Why Loeb cannot be allowed to give up on Dakar

Why Loeb cannot be allowed to give up on Dakar

Plus
Plus
Dakar
Valentin Khorounzhiy

Why Loeb cannot be allowed to give up on Dakar Why Loeb cannot be allowed to give up on Dakar

Subscribe