Following the deaths of four French nationals in Mauritania earlier this week, organisers of the Dakar will meet with Mauritanian authorities and members of the French Embassy to discuss security at the rally.

The tourists were killed while on a driving trek ahead of next month's race and three suspects - at least two of whom are suspected of having links to Al-Qaeda - are currently being sought.

The attack came just ten days before the start of the famous trans-continental race and has prompted major security fears as nine stages are scheduled for Mauritania.

Organisers will meet in Nouakchott on Thursday to discuss the best possible conditions for the drivers and riders ahead of the start in Lisbon on January 5.

Last year, rally organisers cut out two routes between Nema and Timbuktu, in Mali, following a terrorist threat.

Eurosport