Why Dakar rally 2011 is taking place in American continent?

Question

Dakar rally 2011 since its inception has been taking place in Europe I want to know why Dakar rally 2011 is scheduled in America, what can be the possible reason in Dakar rally 2011's relocation of venue?

Answer 1

Most events since the inception in 1978 were from Paris, France to Dakar, Senegal, but due to security threats in Mauritania in 2008, the 2009 Dakar Rally was run in South America (Argentina and Chile), the first time the race took place outside of Europe and Africa. It has stayed in South America from 2009 to Present (2011).