Drivers and teams have joined together to support the decision of Dakar Rally organisers the Amaury Sport Organisation to cancel the event due to security concerns.

The ASO decided just 24 hours before the planned start in Portugal, that the event would not go ahead for the first time in it's 30-year history.

The announcement was made following the murders of four French tourists in Mauritania on Christmas Eve near the Senegalese border by terrorist believed to be linked to Al Qaeda, and on advice from the French government about threats to competitors if it ran it's planned eight stages through the country.

Volkswagen team boss Kris Nissen said: "We fully respect the decision for safety purposes, which also have absolute priority for us.

"The cancellation is a great disappointment for every member of the Volkswagen Motorsport team, particularly as everybody was looking forward to starting this peaceful and fair sporting competition."

Volkswagen driver Carlos Sainz, who was one of the favourites to win what would have been his third attempt at the Dakar, called the decision a brave one.

The two-time world rally champion said: "Cancelling an event like the Dakar for reasons unrelated to the sport is a very bad precedent for sport in general.

"The organisers have taken a cautious and brave decision. Without knowing all the details that have led to that decision we have to respect it. I'm sure all factors have been analysed. It's a whole year of preparations and hopes lost."

Chief rivals Mitsubishi echoed their sentiments.

"It goes without saying that it is a huge shame that the 30th edition of the Dakar will not take place," said team director Dominique Serieys.

"After months of hard work and preparation, we were obviously looking forward to the challenge of building on our record of 13 Dakar victories with the Pajero/Montero which has won the last seven events.

"[However], the Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart Team, Valeo, BFGoodrich and all its partners fully respect the decision announced today by ASO."

Jamie O'Leary / Eurosport