Dakar weighs Morocco backup plan as Saudi security concerns grow
Morocco could serve as a backup for the 2027 Dakar Rally if tensions in the Middle East prevent it from being held in Saudi Arabia. An eight-stage race is being considered as Fernando Alonso prepares to return to the event.
The alternative was presented to teams during the Rallye du Maroc, according to accounts gathered by Mundo Deportivo. The organiser, Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), is working on two scenarios to keep the competition on the calendar in January: adapting the Saudi route or staging a shorter event in Morocco.
Saudi Arabia remains the preferred destination. The official calendar still lists a race from 1 to 15 January 2027. But the route unveiled in May must be revised to keep competitors away from the most exposed areas. Teams interviewed by the Spanish daily describe a route more concentrated in the north of the country.
If this change is not enough to ensure safety, the Moroccan option could be activated. It would take the form of a “Rally Merzouga by Dakar,” with eight stages instead of the usual two weeks. A team official also says this format would be less costly for participants.
Choosing Morocco would allow teams to keep a sporting event on the calendar after months of preparation. The discussions took place on familiar ground: the Rallye du Maroc attracts many Dakar competitors each year.
Fernando Alonso prepares his return
Some remain reluctant to travel to Saudi Arabia under the current circumstances. According to AS, teams including Toyota and KTM have expressed reservations about travelling to a conflict zone. Those positions lend greater weight to the search for an alternative, particularly in Morocco.
Fernando Alonso could be among the drivers affected. Spanish sports media reported on 6 October that the two-time Formula 1 world champion is preparing to return to the Dakar with Prodrive and Marc Coma as his co-driver. His project, which has yet to be officially announced, would be based on an older Dacia Sandrider bearing Aston Martin branding, Motorsport reports.
Alonso is already familiar with Morocco’s tracks. In 2019, he competed in the Rallye du Maroc with Marc Coma to prepare for his first Dakar. He went on to finish 13th in the 2020 edition, held in Saudi Arabia.
For teams, the choice of country now determines how vehicles and equipment will be transported. AS says they will need to know their destination before shipping is scheduled to leave Barcelona on 29 November. The Moroccan scenario also envisages a January race, but with a start after 6 January.
