Portugal is to be the starting point for an alternative ‘Dakar Challenge’ rally later this year.
Open to all, the 15-stage race will begin in Coruche on December 26 before moving south to Tavira and onwards into Africa where it is set to reach its conclusion in Senegal on January 9.
Meanwhile, the FIA has confirmed that the Algarve will stage the third round of the World Rally Championship at the earlier than usual time of March 25 to 27 next year.
The 2011 season begins on February 11 in Sweden and closes with the British event on
November 13.
