The president of the Dakar Rally organising body Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), has confirmed the 2009 race will take place in South America, after terrorist threats forced the cancellation of this year's event.
Patrice Clerc admitted the move away from Africa was "a bit of a gamble" - but not necessarily a permanent switch.
"When in January we were confronted with the cancellation of the race our thoughts naturally turned to South America," he told L'Equipe.
"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 for the first time in its 30-year history in January after ASO revealed that "direct threats" had been levelled at the race by terrorist organisations.
Even without terrorist threats the 6,000km rally is arguably the most dangerous endurance event in world sport.
The race for cars, motorbikes and trucks was due to start in Lisbon and finish in Dakar, Senegal, on January 20th. It would have seen around 600 racers tackle daytime temperatures that reach 40C (104F) and freezing cold at night as they travel 5,760 miles through Portugal, Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal.
In previous years, the race had also gone through Mali, but it had already been excluded this year when the west African country's foreign ministry warned of instability in the region.