Sainz backs 'brave' Dakar decision

The Amaury Sport Organisation, in charge of the rally, confirmed on Friday the cancellation of the event following safety fears in Mauritania and terrorist threats to the organization.

The move meant the rally has been cancelled for the first time in its 30-year history in what has been a massive blow for the 570 teams registered.

Volkswagen driver Sainz, one of the favourites for victory in this year's rally, believes giving in to terrorist threats sets a very bad precedent, although he reckons the ASO have made the right decision.

"Canceling an event like the Dakar for reasons unrelated to the sport is a very bad precedent for sport in general," Sainz was quoted as saying by Spanish newspaper.

"The organisers have taken a cautious and brave decision. Without knowing all the details that have led to that decision we have to respect it. I'm sure all factors have been analysed.

"It's a whole year of preparations and hopes lost."

The two-time world rally champion is sure, however, that the Dakar's future will not be affected by this year's decision.

"It's a very strong event. You only need to see its magnitude and strength, but it's a low blow for the race."

Portuguese driver Carlos Sousa added: "This is a sad moment for the teams."

"The decision was taken for good reasons but it's very annoying," said Andre Dessoud, who heads the Nissan team.

"We worked for months and invested a lot of money. I don't have a clue about what we are going to do. We have lost all the petrol we have sent ahead of the race and we'll have to call back the lorries which carried the cars to Lisbon."