Fear of a terrorist attack threatens the continuation of the Dakar Rally

As the Dakar Rally is organized by the French ASO, the French authorities have the power to interfere in the affairs of the race, which takes place exclusively on the territory of Saudi Arabia.

On December 30th, two days before the start of this year’s Dakar, an explosive device detonated, which was placed in a support vehicle of the French team Sodicars Racing from the Hotel Donatello in Jeddah.

Of the six occupants of the car, five escaped unscathed, but driver Philip Boutron was seriously injured in the lower extremities and taken to the intensive care unit at Clamar Military Hospital in France. Boutron is president of the United States’ second division Orleans soccer team and intends to take part in his 9th Dakar.

The French authorities are investigating the incident through the country’s counter-terrorism service, and despite heightened security measures in the camps – where 3,500 people involved in the fighting stay overnight – French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has abandoned the possibility of a definitive Game interruption open.

Le Drian Says The December 30th Strike “could be Terrorist attack“and continued ““There have already been attacks against French interests in Saudi Arabia.”

And he continued: “We thought that maybe it would be better to cancel the race, but the organizers disagreed. But we have to be very careful. At least they should have increased security, which they did, but the possibility is still on the table. “

The suspension of the Dakar Rally, should it come about, will not be unprecedented for the race. After four tourists were killed before the 2008 game, the game in Portugal (with the final destination in Senegal) was canceled before the start of fear of terrorist attacks in Mauritania.