Organisers have officially confirmed that the Dakar Rally will relocate to Europe and Africa for its landmark 49th edition in 2027. This major scheduling shift comes following recent events and ongoing regional challenges in Saudi Arabia, prompting a temporary change of scenery for the world's most demanding cross-country endurance classic.
The upcoming race will be hosted across Portugal and Morocco before making its anticipated return to Saudi soil in 2028 to celebrate its historic 50th anniversary edition. Event organisers verified that supporting categories including the Dakar Classic, Dakar Future Mission 1000, and the Dakar Saudi Next Gen programme will seamlessly follow the exact same geographical shift.
The announcement arrives just days after governing bodies confirmed the season-opener for the FIA and FIM World Rally-Raid Championships would bypass Saudi Arabia amidst the regional situation. Pending final approval from the FIA's World Motor Sport Council, the event is scheduled to run from January 9 to 23, featuring a prologue and twelve rigorous stages stretching from Loule-Faro to Marrakech.
Competitors will face a grueling total distance of 7,824km, which includes 4,341km of fiercely contested special stages spread across six distinct bivouacs. The Algarve region will host the opening prologue and initial special stage, after which the convoy will cross the Mediterranean Sea into Morocco, where participants will tackle eleven demanding stages alongside a well-deserved rest day in Agadir.
Dakar Director David Castera candidly addressed the immense logistical hurdles involved in mapping out such a complex international route under an unusually tight timeframe. "The relocated 49th edition of the Dakar will meet the sporting standards that have always made it the most demanding rally-raid event," Castera stated regarding the intense preparation phase.
Highlighting collaboration with local motorsport authorities, Castera expressed gratitude for the staggering initial entry numbers despite the short notice. "Despite the short timeframe we have had to work with, we have designed a true Dakar. We are already grateful for the loyalty of the competitors who are overwhelmingly choosing to follow us on this new adventure with 350 already registered," he concluded.
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