According to French newspaper Ouest-France, which reported the development on Tuesday, October 20, Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the rally’s organizer, has informed teams that the next edition would start in southern Europe before being held mainly in Morocco, following seven editions in Saudi Arabia.
Spain or Portugal could host the start, although the departure city has yet to be decided. The prologue could take place on January 9, 2027, before competitors head to Morocco for the bulk of the rally, which would run through January 22.
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According to Ouest-France, the proposed route would include around 4,300 kilometers of timed special stages. That would be close to the distances covered in recent editions in Saudi Arabia, but considerably shorter than many of the historic rallies that crossed from Europe into Africa between 1979 and 2007.
The possible change of destination is reportedly linked to the security situation in the Middle East.
If confirmed, the move would bring the Dakar Rally back to Africa nearly two decades after it left the continent. The proposed format would begin in Europe before moving to Morocco, placing the Kingdom at the center of a new chapter in the history of the renowned rally.
