Dakar Rally organisers have promised improved safety measures to protect drivers and spectators next year. Unveiling the 2007 edition, which will start for the second year in a row from Lisbon but with a later date of January 6, organisers said preventing risks was a major concern.

Two African boys died after being hit by rally vehicles during this year's event and Australian motorcycle rider Andy Caldecott was killed in a crash.

The previous year, two bike riders including Italy's former winner Fabrizio Meoni, died in crashes and motorcycles had tougher speed limits imposed for 2006.

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