Peru back on 2018 Dakar Rally track with Bolivia, Argentina

Moscow, March 23: In the next edition of the FIA Dakar Rally, the motorsports competition's route will stretch across the South American territories of Peru, Bolivia and Argentina with the most challenging race scheduled to start on January 4, 2018, and finish on January 20, 2018, the organisers have announced.

The organisers on Wednesday said they were glad that once again Peru joined for the upcoming 40th edition of the most challenging international race.

Participants of the 39th edition of Dakar Rally, held two months ago, covered the route across Paraguay, Bolivia and Argentina, reports Tass news agency.

Peru filed a bid to be part of 2017 Dakar, but then had to withdraw appeal due to apprehensions surrounding the natural disasters caused by El Nino.

Peru was part of the Dakar racing series twice in its history, first in 2012, when the country's capital of Lima was the checkered-flag destination and then in 2013, when Lima was the jump-start point of the rally.

"The reunion with Peru in January, for the 40th edition of the rally will assure intense and emotional moments," according to the statement on the official page of Dakar racing.

"Discovering the Ica desert made an impact on the riders and crews in 2012 and 2013. In January, they will have the opportunity to surf, once again, on these dunes that pose a demanding and varied challenge," the statement added.

"Then a new version of the Andes trilogy will come, with the exploration of the two faces of Lake Titicaca to celebrate the entry of the rally in Bolivia."

Dakar Director Etienne Lavigne said commenting on the 2018 Dakar route in South America, and Peru in particular, that it would revive "indelible memories of wonder and excitement".

"Five years after our last visit to the land of the Incas, a joyous reunion seems to lurk behind every corner," Lavigne was quoted as saying by Dakar.com.

"The 40th edition of the rally will unleash its creativity with the wide range of landscapes on the menu next January."