Alonso casts doubt on Dakar Rally return in 2027

Spanish driver Fernando Alonso, a two-time Formula 1 world champion, has cast doubt on reports that he will return to the Dakar Rally in 2027, one of motorsport's most demanding long-distance events. The 45-year-old made his comments on 8 October, ahead of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.

Where the speculation came from

In early October, several media outlets, including the Spanish motorsport site SoyMotor, reported that Alonso could enter the 2027 Dakar Rally. One version involved a car prepared by Prodrive, built on the Dacia Sandrider and visually styled for the Aston Martin brand. Reports also mentioned a possible continuation of his partnership with co-driver Marc Coma, with whom Alonso took part in his first Dakar Rally in 2020.

Alonso's response

The driver said the plan cannot yet be considered confirmed. He admitted he had read the rumours but did not think it was possible, because in his view the requirements of Formula 1 and the Dakar Rally are not compatible. He said such challenges demand thorough preparation, and that having been competitive in the past does not mean everything will be easy. Success, he added, takes extensive preparation, determination and also some luck.

Alonso added that he will announce his next motorsport challenge himself once he feels sufficiently prepared, and that it will not be merely a rumour.

Previous experience

Alonso made his Dakar debut in 2020, driving a Toyota Hilux. Alongside Marc Coma, a five-time Dakar winner in the motorcycle class, he finished 13th overall.

Source: Reuters.