The organisers of the Dakar Rally are looking to bring the event back to Africa by 2012.
The 2008 race had to be cancelled due to terrorist threats and in 2009 will run from 3-18 January in Argentina and Chile.
This is the first time the classic event will not run its traditional route.
However Amaury Sports Organisation owner Patrice Clerc said he hoped that the rally would return to Africa once safety could be guaranteed.
‘We're totally dependent on the geopolitical situation,’ he said.
‘I don't know if it will be permissible for us to return by 2011 or 2012.’