Dakar 2027: Alonso denies a return, F1 comes first
The newsroomUpdated on October 9, 20263 minFernando Alonso denied in Singapore that he will contest the 2027 Dakar Rally, calling it nearly impossible to combine with F1. What he said, and what it means.
Key point
In Singapore, Fernando Alonso denied the rumours of a 2027 Dakar entry: he says combining F1 and rally-raid is nearly impossible physically.
Fernando Alonso will not start the 2027 Dakar Rally. Asked at the press conference on Thursday 8 October ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, the Aston Martin driver denied reports from Spanish media that he was heading back to rally-raid. The denial contradicts articles published in recent days, including our own piece on the supposed project.
Alonso's denial in Singapore
According to Motorsport Week and GPFans, Alonso, 45, said he had read the rumours but does not think it is physically possible. He called it nearly impossible to fit two demanding programmes, an F1 championship and the Dakar, into one year. FormulaPassion reports the same position: no Dakar in 2027, because the programme is not compatible with F1.
The rumours, which came from Spain, spoke of a return seven years after his last appearance in 2020, when he finished 13th for Toyota alongside Marc Coma. They also mentioned a car derived from the former Dacia Sandrider, run by Prodrive under Aston Martin colours. None of this has been confirmed by the driver.
A calendar that is too tight
The 2027 Dakar runs from 1 to 15 January over a 5320 km course, according to GPFans. Motorsport Week notes that it ends about two months before the 2027 F1 season begins. Alonso, who has just extended his Aston Martin contract to stay in F1 next year, suggests that the preparation and the risk would be too great.
No GT3, and a future challenge to announce
Asked about GT3, as Max Verstappen has done, Alonso says he has never tried it and that it needs very big preparation. He adds that such challenges look easy because drivers were competitive in the past, whereas they require preparation, determination and luck.
Above all, he says that when his next challenge comes, he will announce it himself and it will not be a rumour. In other words, the door stays open for later, but not for January 2027.
What this means for the Dakar
The Aston Martin and Prodrive story therefore remains without official confirmation. Until either the team or the driver announces anything, Alonso's return to the 2027 Dakar should be treated as denied by the man himself.
Frequently asked questions
Will Alonso race the 2027 Dakar?
No. He denied it at the Singapore press conference, saying an F1 and Dakar double programme is nearly impossible physically.
Does Alonso rule out any other challenge outside F1?
No. He says he will announce his next challenge himself, with no rumours, once he feels preparation and risk are sufficient.
When is the 2027 Dakar?
From 1 to 15 January 2027, over a 5320 km course according to GPFans, about two months before the F1 season starts.
Sources
- Motorsport Week — Alonso denies Dakar return
- GPFans — Alonso responds to Dakar rumours
- FormulaPassion — Alonso: no Dakar in 2027
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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