SANTIAGO, Chile - Chile is pulling out of the 2016 Dakar Rally, citing flash floods that have hit the northern, desert region of the South American country.
The Chilean sports ministry says it will not spend about R83-million to host sections of the three-week rally, with the funds being better used for rebuilding areas devastated by the floods.
Sports minister Natalia Riffo said the decision was taken after consulting with Dakar Rally organisers and said the "door was open" to rejoining the rally in 2017.