The Dakar Rally, one of the world's most challenging motor sports competitions, will return to North Africa in 2027 after years of being held in Saudi Arabia. The 2027 edition will start in Portugal, cross Spain, and end in Morocco. The rally will feature 12 stages, covering a total distance of 7,824 kilometers, including 4,341 kilometers of timed special stages.
The rally will begin on January 9, 2027, in the "Algarve" region of southern Portugal and conclude on January 23 in Marrakech, Morocco. The event will take place over 14 days, including a rest day. The route is designed to test drivers and teams, particularly with Morocco's rugged terrain, known for its rocky paths and challenging driving conditions.
The preparatory phase for the rally will start with administrative and technical checks from January 6-8 in the Portuguese region of Loulé-Faro. On January 9, participants will take part in a prologue stage in the "Algarve," followed by a transfer to southern Spain. The rally caravan will then move to Morocco on the night of January 11, with the main competition starting on January 13 from Bouarfa.
The stages will vary in distance, but most will be between 350 and 500 kilometers long, requiring competitors to maintain a high level of focus, physical fitness, and technical readiness. One of the notable stages is the seventh, which will take competitors to the city of Smara, covering a total distance of 790 kilometers, including 500 kilometers of timed racing.
The eighth stage will take participants to the city of Dakhla, the furthest geographical point from the starting point. The ninth stage will be a loop around Smara, followed by a journey north towards the Atlas Mountains. These stages are expected to be a true test of drivers' and teams' abilities, given the terrain and the vast desert area.
According to Pep Vila, director of the Rally Morocco, the proposed route is an extremely difficult race, warning that the numerous stones and hard surfaces could cause equipment and mechanical failures. David Castéra, Dakar Rally director, stated that the change in venue, despite the short preparation time, would not affect the sporting and competitive level of the event.
The decision to change the venue was made after studying several options for the future of the 2027 edition, amid uncertainty linked to the security situation in the Middle East. The change allows the Dakar Rally to regain part of its historical African identity, with a route combining Europe and North Africa and giving Morocco a pivotal role as the country hosting the majority of the competition.
Key points
- The 2027 Dakar Rally will start in Portugal, cross Spain, and end in Morocco.
- The rally will feature 12 stages, covering a total distance of 7,824 kilometers.
- The event will take place from January 9-23, 2027.
