The Dakar Rally could be cancelled over security concerns in Mauritania where four French tourists were killed last month, one of the competing drivers told Reuters on Friday.

Portugal's SIC television channel also reported that the rally, which was due to start from Lisbon on Saturday, was in danger of being called off.

Rally organisers, the France-based Amaury Sport Organisation, were not immediately available for comment.

"We have been told there will be an announcement at 1200 GMT from the Dakar organisation. We hear it could be cancelled," said the driver, who asked not to be named.

France warned the Dakar organisers on Thursday against holding stages in Mauritania because it said "the terrorist risk" cannot be ruled out.

The rally, one of the toughest and most dangerous challenges in motorsport, is due to arrive in Mauritania on January 11 with stages on that country until January 19.

Reuters