Fernando Alonso is set to return to the Dakar Rally in 2027. The plan would see the Aston Martin Formula 1 driver race a Prodrive T1+ car with Aston Martin bodywork. Marc Coma would again sit alongside him as a co-drive.
Alonso is believed to have an advanced agreement to compete. However, the deal is not official yet, and the contractual details are still being finalised. Neither Alonso nor Aston Martin have commented so far on the Dakar Rally plans for 2027.
Alonso return to Dakar 2027 car wears Aston Martin bodywork
The car is a former Dacia run by Prodrive. David Richards leads the outfit. Prodrive has run Aston Martin Racing, the marque’s motorsport arm, since 2004, and still builds the brand’s customer GT cars. The car is reportedly based on the Dacia Sandrider, which Nasser Al-Attiyah drove to victory at the 2026 Dakar. It will receive Aston Martin bodywork on the outside only. As a result, the project gets a proven rally raid base with an F1 team identity.
Reports indicate that Sébastien Loeb is expected to be part of the same Prodrive structure. The nine-time World Rally champion previously raced for the Prodrive-run BRX team on the Dakar. Therefore, Alonso would likely share a team with another motorsport great.
The cars and support trucks are already in the United Kingdom. However, the bodywork moulds are not ready yet. It is also believed that Alonso will start testing for Dakar 2027 as early as next week. Therefore, the first test will take place before the Aston Martin bodywork arrives.
Daniel Gratacós, who previously worked as Alonso’s engineer, is reportedly involved, at least for that session.
Marc Coma reunites with Alonso
Coma is a five-time Dakar winner on motorcycles. He now serves as director of the Rally du Maroc. He sat alongside Alonso on his Dakar debut in 2020. The pair finished 13th overall in a Toyota Hilux. Alonso is a two-time F1 world champion, so that result marked a notable first attempt. Moreover, Coma was reportedly Alonso’s own choice for his Dakar 2027 return.
Dakar 2027 venue remains undecided
The location of the event is not settled. Saudi Arabia remains the first option. Morocco is the main alternative because of uncertainty over the conflict in the Middle East. As a result, plans could still change.
The news comes days after Aston Martin confirmed on 29 September that Alonso will stay in F1 for 2027. Alonso’s Dakar 2027 campaign would run alongside his F1 duties with Aston Martin. An official announcement has yet to come. The move suggests that the team is open to Alonso racing outside of F1.
