Dakar 2027 moves from Saudi Arabia to Portugal and Morocco
Organizers have confirmed that Dakar 2027 will not take place in Saudi Arabia. For the first time since 2019 the rally runs outside the kingdom, from southern Portugal through Morocco. It is set for January 9-23, pending approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council, and opens the 2027 FIA and FIM World Rally-Raid Championships.
The prologue and first stage start in the Algarve. Spain is only a liaison route to the ferry, with no timed stages. Morocco gets 11 stages and a rest day in Agadir. The route runs from Bouarfa through Zagora and Agadir to the deserts near Smara and Dakhla, finishing in Marrakech. Race director David Castera promises an "uncompromising" Dakar.
More than 350 competitors have already registered. Dakar Classic, Dakar Future Mission 1000 and Dakar Saudi Next Gen move with the rally. The race is planned to return to Saudi Arabia in 2028 for its 50th edition.
- Total distance — 7,824 km
- Special stages — 4,341 km, 12 stages
- Bivouacs — 6
- Most special stages — 350-500 km
This short post was prepared with AI assistance. A source link is provided below where available.
Source: ADV Pulse
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