An explosion under a support vehicle at the Dakar rally in Saudi Arabia that injured French race driver Philippe Boutron on Dec. 30 was caused by an improvised explosive device, a French source familiar with the investigation said on Friday.
Confirming a report by RTL radio, the source told Reuters that investigators had found traces of explosives on Boutron’s wrecked vehicle in Saudi Arabia.
French anti-terrorism prosecutors opened a preliminary investigation into the explosion in January.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has said that there were suspicions of a terrorist attack, but Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry said on Jan. 8 that an initial investigation into the blast had not raised any criminal suspicions.
A second explosion at the Dakar rally, under a truck belonging to the team of Camelia Liparoti on Dec. 31, is also under investigation by French police.
More Stories
Deadly Haaland Strikes Twice To Give Man City Win At West Ham
Dasilva Scores Late As Brentford Rally For Draw At Leicester
Ten Hag Era At United Begins With Defeat To Brighton
Manchester United Must Let Ronaldo Leave – Rooney
England’s Moeen Fears Losing 50-Over Cricket Due To Unsustainable Schedule
City Stay Will Not Be Determined By European Success – Guardiola
Magnificent Messi Inspires PSG Win Over Clermont
Medvedev Ends Losing Streak In finals With Los Cabos Title
Jorginho Penalty Earns Chelsea Narrow Opening-Day Win At Everton
Dominant Newcastle Spoil Forest’s Top-Flight Return
Brilliant Boks bag biggest win over All Blacks in 94 years
Tottenham Crush Southampton For Impressive Opening Win