Volkswagen respect ASO decision

Dakar organisers ASO confirmed on Friday that the rally will not be held for the first time in 30 years after receiving terrorists threats and following concerns voiced by the French government regarding the eight planned stages in Mauritania.

Volkswagen, one of the favourites for this year's event, admitted they were very disappointed with the cancellation, but said they understood ASO's decision.

"We fully respect the decision for safety purposes, which also have absolute priority for us," said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen.

"The cancellation is a great disappointment for every member of the Volkswagen Motorsport team, particularly as everybody was looking forward to starting this peaceful and fair sporting competition."

Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Volkswagen Board Member, added: "The safety of every single participant has absolute priority and for this reason Volkswagen completely and utterly endorses the decision made by the organisers ASO to cancel the start of the Dakar Rally originally scheduled for 5 January.

"We are obviously very unhappy about the cancellation, since we prepared for this rally for an entire year and were extremely well equipped for this sporting challenge."