The Dakar Rally, one of the world's most prestigious off-road racing events, will be held in Morocco and Portugal in 2027. The decision to move the rally from its usual location in Saudi Arabia was made due to recent security concerns in the region. The rally's organizer, Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), announced that the 2027 edition will take place from January 9 to 23, with the first leg in Portugal and the majority of the stages in Morocco.
The shift to Morocco and Portugal marks a return to Africa for the Dakar Rally, which has not been held on the continent since 2007. The rally will start in Loulé-Faro, Portugal, with a prologue and the first special stage, before moving to Morocco for 11 stages and a rest day in Agadir. The event will cover a total distance of 7,824 km, including 4,341 km of special stages.
The decision to move the rally was made due to the intensification of attacks by Houthi rebels from Yemen, supported by Iran, against Saudi Arabia. This has led to concerns about the safety of the event, which has been held in Saudi Arabia since 2020. The 2027 edition will be an exceptional one-off move, with the rally set to return to Saudi Arabia in 2028 to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
The Dakar Rally is considered one of the toughest events in the world of motorsports, with competitors facing challenging terrain, harsh weather conditions, and demanding physical requirements. The event has a reputation for pushing competitors and their vehicles to the limit, and is often referred to as "the toughest rally in the world".
The rally will feature six different bivouacs along the route, providing a unique challenge for competitors and teams. The event will also mark the start of the 2027 FIA and FIM World Championships for Rally-Raid. The Dakar Rally has a long history, dating back to 1978 when it was first organized by French motorsport enthusiast Thierry Sabine.
Sabine, who was passionate about adventure and motorsports, created the event as a way to test the limits of competitors and their vehicles. Tragically, Sabine died in a helicopter accident in 1986, along with French singer Daniel Balavoine. Despite its challenges, the Dakar Rally has become an iconic event in the world of motorsports, attracting competitors and spectators from around the globe.
The 2027 Dakar Rally promises to be an exciting and challenging event, with a unique route that will take competitors through the diverse landscapes of Morocco and Portugal. With its rich history and reputation for pushing competitors to the limit, the Dakar Rally is set to continue its tradition of excellence in 2027.
Key points
- The 2027 Dakar Rally will take place in Morocco and Portugal due to security concerns in Saudi Arabia.
