Dakar Rally 2016 will begin on Jan. 3 in Buenos Aires, after Peru decided not to participate in the race, the organizers announced on Thrusday.

According to Argentine media, ASO (Amaury Sports Organization), organizers of Dakar Rally, said the race will begin on Jan. 3 and will have 13 stages, the same number as usual, and will also have special stages.

"Thanks to the great work of our teams, the rally's route has changed a little bit but the spirit of the race remains the same," said Marc Coma, Dakar Rally Sports Director.

The special stages will have less dunes and more technical tracks during the first three days, until arriving to San Salvador de Jujuy, in Argentina. Later, the new route was designed to link Bolivia, where it will end, as it was first intended.

"Before arriving at Uyuni, in Bolivia, the drivers will go through a new 'marathon' stage," said Coma adding that "we will include a close park in Jujuy so the assistance vehicles will anticipate towards Uyuni."

Dakar Rally 2016 was supposed to start from Lima and remain four days in Peru. But last August Peru announced they will not participate because they have to face the weather phenomenon known as "El Nino."

"El Nino" causes strong rains in the Pacific Ecuadorian region.

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