PARIS (AFP) -- Security and safety issues will be the priority for the Dakar Rally starting in January after the 2007 edition was overshadowed by the tragic death of two motorcyclists.

South African Elmer Symons and Frenchman Eric Aubijoux became the latest victims of this controversial race that is much criticized for the reckless manner racers charge through unchartered nomadic terrain in northwest Africa.
Dakar Rally chief Etienne Lavigne defended the race's security record and explained they would be following the plans put in place for the first time at the 2007 edition of the race.
""This plan is an efficient tool in risk prevention,"" said Lavigne.
""We don't keep a count of the tragedies but it's a difficult race. In every adventure risks are taken.
""There are accidents on the Dakar like there are on Mont Blanc where every year 40 or 50 people die. We have developed a lot of measures to ensure the security of competitors and we also organize training events for them.
""We have a coordinator who works with local authorities in Africa.
""In my opinion the race is the safest in the world in this category.""
Some 245 motorbikes, 20 quads, 205 cars and 100 trucks have registered -- 60 more than this year -- in the race which starts in Lisbon on January 5 and covers 9,273km before finishing in the Senegalese capital Dakar on January 20.
Lavigne boasted that the event was more international than ever with two Chinese motorcyclists, Indian, Guatamalan, Kenyan and Kazakh competitors registered.
For the first time over half of the competitors are aged under 40 years and over 40 percent of the motorcyclists are debutants, compared to 18 percent of drivers.
Organizers have prepared a course that focuses on sand racing for the race's 30th anniversary.
""This will be a Dakar the color of sand. The contestants will encounter a lot of sand, 6,000km compared to 4,300km in 2007,"" said Lavigne, warning that the 2008 edition will be ""rough and difficult"".
The first two stages will be held in Portugal before taking in Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal. Algeria, Libya, Niger and Mali will be avoided for security reasons.
""It's difficult to organize a Dakar in these countries but we're still in contact with them,"" added Lavigne, confirming that the 2009 edition of the race will also start in Lisbon.