W2RC 2027 calendar: five rounds from Dakar to Rallye du Maroc

The 2027 FIA-FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) has five rounds, from the Dakar in Saudi Arabia (1-15 January) to the Rallye du Maroc (24-29 October). The calendar was approved by e-vote of the World Motor Sport Council on 5 August 2026. One question mark remains: the situation in the Middle East casts doubt over where the Dakar will be held.

The five rounds of the 2027 W2RC

• Dakar, Saudi Arabia, 1-15 January: the 49th edition, opening the season.
• Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, United Arab Emirates, 21-26 March.
• South African Safari Rally, 14-19 June: the second edition, back after missing the 2026 calendar and replacing Argentina's Desafío Ruta 40.
• bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal, 21-26 September: a fourth consecutive season on the calendar.
• Rallye du Maroc, 24-29 October: the 28th edition, hosting the championship finale.

Longer gaps between rounds

ASO says the longer spacing between events is meant to lower costs and make team programmes easier to fit. David Castera, ASO's Motorsport Director, said the additional gaps between rounds will help teams and competitors reduce costs.

Dakar 2027: uncertainty remains

According to 131 Off-Road (7 October), the Middle East war continues and doubt remains over whether the 2027 Dakar will go ahead as planned. In mid-September, ASO had publicly said the race would not be cancelled, and route reconnaissance took place in Saudi Arabia later that month.

The outlet relays two scenarios under consideration, citing Mundo Deportivo:

• Plan A: stay in Saudi Arabia with a new route further north, away from the Yemen border;
• Plan B: an eight-stage event in Morocco called "Rally Merzouga by Dakar".

ASO needs a decision from the Saudi government because of contractual obligations, and KTM wants an answer before shipping equipment in November. These are press reports: the official FIA calendar still places the Dakar in Saudi Arabia.

Key points

• Five rounds: Dakar, Abu Dhabi, South Africa, Portugal, Morocco.
• The Safari Rally returns and replaces the Desafío Ruta 40.
• The Dakar is officially scheduled in Saudi Arabia from 1 to 15 January.
• A decision is awaited before the November equipment shipping.