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(FILES) In this file photo taken on December 16, 2019 shows David Castera, director of the Dakar Saudi Arabia 2020, speaks during a press conference about the upcoming race in Qiddiya, west of the capital Riyadh. - The Dakar Rally begins on January 1, 2022, in Saudi Arabia with race director David Castera telling AFP it would be worse to "turn one's back" on the hosts over concerns about its human rights record. Castera was speaking as just over 1000 competitors were fine-tuning the 578 cars, trucks and motorbikes which will bid for a third time to conquer the elements and the Saudi desert reaching its climax on January 14. (Photo by FAYEZ NURELDINE / AFP) (KEYSTONE/AFP/FAYEZ NURELDINE)