Dakar Rally 2027 to Offer Competitors a ‘Real Dakar’ in Morocco, Says Race Director

Casablanca – Morocco will offer competitors in the 49th edition of the Dakar Rally a “difficult” challenge that remains true to the spirit of rally-raid racing, featuring a new route crossing, in particular, the Kingdom’s Southern Provinces, said the event’s director, David Castera.

“Competitors will experience a real Dakar here in Morocco,” Castera said on Monday in Casablanca during a press conference to present the 2027 edition, scheduled to take place from January 9 to 23.

He highlighted the demanding nature of Morocco’s terrain, particularly its rocky landscapes, which will require endurance and resilience from participants.

Explaining the reasons behind the choice of Morocco for the rally’s return, 20 years later, the Dakar director pointed to the country’s strong rally-raid culture, as well as the ability of all stakeholders to take on a major organizational challenge within a particularly tight timeframe.

In this regard, he praised the mobilization of Moroccan authorities and companies, whose commitment has helped preparations advance rapidly.

Castera also stressed the intention to offer a revamped route, moving away from the usual itineraries around Merzouga in favor of less-explored areas.

“I wanted the route to be different from anything that already exists,” he said, highlighting the diversity of the selected landscapes and terrain, which offer particularly suitable conditions for rally-raid racing.

The edition will bring together more than 350 competitors and around 3,200 people at the bivouacs, reflecting the considerable human and logistical scale of this major international sporting event.