Chen Jianguo (left) and Wei Guanghui of China will make history when they take part in the 2009 Dakar Rally motorcycling competition in January.

Chen Jianguo (left) and Wei Guanghui of China will make history when they take part in the 2009 Dakar Rally motorcycling competition in January. China has previously only taken part in the car section of the rally, which switches continents next year with a gruelling 9,000km race planned for Argentina and Chile.

The move from its traditional home in Africa to South America was triggered by the cancelation of this year's rally due to security concerns after four French tourists were murdered in Mauritania last December.

The two Chinese drivers will represent the China Jincheng team, supported by the Jincheng Corporation of the China Aviation Industry Corporation.

The race, featuring 6000 km of special stages, sets out from Buenos Aires on Jan 3 before making its way back to the Argentine capital's Plaza de la Republica for a Jan 18 finish.

(China Daily December 18, 2008)