Peru call off Dakar Rally after El Nino fear

Lima: Peru will not host the 2016 Dakar Rally because of the effects of El Nino, the South American country`s Ministry of Foreign Trade announced on Monday.

The Dakar rally, which is one of the biggest motorsport events in the calendar, featuring both bikes and cars, was due to begin in the capital Lima on January 3 next year before finishing in Rosario, Argentina, on January 16.

"In anticipation of the effects (caused by El Nino) on the population, we decided to cancel our participation," said a Ministry of Foreign Trade statement.

Race organisers ASO acknowledged the decision and said: "The definitive route for Dakar 2016 will be unveiled in the second half of September."

A spokesman later indicated that the race would be held in Bolivia and Argentina.

El Nino is a tropical weather phenomenon occurring in the Pacific Ocean, contributing to global changes in temperature and rainfall.