Patrice Clerc has said that he believes the Dakar's move to South America in 2009 is not necessarily a permanent switch.

Clerc, president of the Dakar Rally organising body Amaury Sport Organisation, admitted the move away from Africa was "a bit of a gamble."

He told L'Equipe: "When in January we were confronted with the cancellation of the race our thoughts naturally turned to South America.

"We will not forget the African continent. Africa is where the Dakar has its roots, the race will return there.

"When? I have no idea. I have no control over matters of safety."

He also confirmed that the race would still be named 'Dakar' despite the move.

"It may seem a bit of a paradox, but 'Dakar' has become synonymous with a challenge which is well organised and has a certain spirit," he said.

"It is a brand that stands apart from the rest."

The 2008 rally was cancelled in January after ASO revealed that "direct threats" had been levelled at the race by terrorist organisations.

Meanwhile Argentina president Cristina Fernandez has officially announced that the 2009 event will begin and end in capital city Buenos Aires. The competitors will race for 10 days in the country and five in neighbouring Chile.

Fernandez said that the chance to host the Dakar is "an honour for all Argentines, and also for Chile".

Competitors will race through the Argentine Pampa plains, south toward Patagonia then climb back up the country crossing the mountains on the way to Chile, where they will rest one day in the seaside resort of Valparaiso.

The route then continues north to the Atacama desert before returning to Argentina.

Sporting Life / Eurosport