Dakar Rally could be called off

Portugal television also reported that the rally, which is due to start from Lisbon on Saturday, was in danger of being called off.

"We have been told there will be an announcement at 1200 GMT from the Dakar organisation. We hear it could be cancelled," said the driver, who asked not to be named.

France warned the Dakar organisers on Thursday against holding stages in Mauritania because it said "the terrorist risk" cannot be ruled out, Reuters said.

Author