Dakar moves its 2027 rally to Portugal and Morocco
Dakar organisers will exceptionally move the 2027 rally from Saudi Arabia to Portugal and Morocco, with a return planned for 2028. The proposed January programme runs from Loulé-Faro to Marrakech over a prologue and 12 stages. Its dates require approval from the World Motor Sport Council, while the route includes 4,341 km of timed racing.
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Portugal opens the relocated January race
Dakar Rally organisers announced on 30 October that Portugal and Morocco will exceptionally host the 2027 race instead of Saudi Arabia. Amaury Sport Organisation, which runs the rally, reached the decision with the Saudi Motorsport Company following what the organisers described as recent events in the region. Saudi Arabia is due to host the 50th edition in 2028. The proposed 49th edition runs from 9–23 January, opening in Loulé-Faro in Portugal’s Algarve region and finishing in Marrakech, Morocco. The dates remain subject to approval by the World Motor Sport Council of the International Automobile Federation, the body governing international motor racing. A prologue and 12 stages are planned.[1], [2]
An overnight crossing carries the field to Morocco
The service park opens in Loulé-Faro on 5 January, with administrative and technical inspections scheduled for 6–8 January. After the prologue on 9 January, the first timed stage takes place the following day. Competitors then transfer to a port for an overnight Mediterranean crossing to Nador in Morocco. Arrival is scheduled for 11 January, followed by a transfer to the first Moroccan bivouac at Bouarfa. The route continues along the Atlas Mountains through Zagora to Agadir, where a rest day is planned. Morocco will host the remaining 11 stages. Organisers list six bivouacs across the route and a total distance of 7,824 km, including 4,341 km of timed special stages.[1]
A return to Africa follows seven Saudi editions
Most daily timed sections are planned at 350–500 km. Race director David Castera said the relocated event would retain Dakar’s sporting demands despite the short preparation period. Saudi Arabia has hosted seven consecutive editions since 2020. The rally’s earlier history included routes through Mauritania; the 2008 event was cancelled amid security threats, and the competition moved to South America in 2009. The 2027 rally is intended to open the World Rally-Raid Championship seasons for cars and motorcycles. Dakar Classic and the organiser’s accompanying development programmes will also follow the relocation to Portugal and Morocco.[1], [2]
