The 49th Dakar Rally is set to return to Morocco after 20 years, with the event taking place from January 9-23, 2027. According to David Castera, director of the rally, the course will be challenging and true to the spirit of the rally-raid, with a new route traversing the southern provinces of the country. Castera emphasized that the competitors will face a "true Dakar" in Morocco, with demanding terrain that requires endurance and resistance.
Castera highlighted the rugged nature of Morocco's terrain, particularly its rocky reliefs, which will push participants to their limits. He also cited the country's strong culture of rally-raid and its ability to organize large-scale events quickly as reasons for choosing Morocco as the host country. The director of the Dakar Rally praised the mobilization of Moroccan authorities and companies, whose commitment has enabled rapid progress in preparations.
The new route for the 2027 Dakar Rally will deviate from the usual itineraries around Merzouga, instead exploring less familiar territories. Castera expressed his desire to create a unique course that showcases Morocco's diverse landscapes and terrain. The rally will feature over 350 competitors and around 3,200 people in the bivouacs, demonstrating the significant human and logistical effort required for the event.
Mohamed Bachiri, president of the Royal Automobile Club of Morocco (RACM), expressed his pride in seeing the Dakar Rally return to Moroccan soil after 20 years. He recalled that the RACM is proud to be a partner in the 49th edition, which will traverse almost the entire national territory, including the southern provinces. Bachiri emphasized Morocco's reputation as a host of major international sporting events and its capabilities in organization, hospitality, and institutional mobilization.
The return of the Dakar Rally to Morocco is part of a deep historical relationship between the country and the event. Morocco has hosted the rally 12 times between 1993 and 2007, with a total of 58 stages contested on its territory. The 49th edition, which will feature 12 stages, aims to revive this heritage while showcasing new territories, particularly in the south of the country.
The 2027 Dakar Rally is expected to generate significant international media exposure, providing an additional platform to showcase Morocco's geographical diversity and sporting influence. The event will also demonstrate Morocco's ability to host large-scale international events, solidifying its position as a major player in the world of sports.
The Dakar Rally's return to Morocco marks a significant milestone for the country's sporting calendar. With its challenging course, diverse landscapes, and strong organizational support, the 49th edition is set to be an exciting and memorable event. The rally's impact will be felt not only in the sporting world but also in promoting Morocco's image and tourism industry.
Key points
- The 49th Dakar Rally will take place in Morocco from January 9-23, 2027, with a new route crossing the country's southern provinces.
- The rally's course will be challenging and true to the spirit of the rally-raid, with demanding terrain that requires endurance and resistance.
- The event is expected to generate significant international media exposure, showcasing Morocco's geographical diversity and sporting influence.
