Fernando Alonso set to race in 2027 Dakar Rally driving Aston Martin
Fernando Alonso is set to return to the Dakar Rally in 2027 behind the wheel of an Aston Martin, according to Soymotor. The Spanish driver will compete in the premier T1+ category using a former Dacia prototype managed by Prodrive, which is being visually transformed to represent the British manufacturer.
The move establishes a direct link between Alonso’s current Formula 1 commitments and his off-road ambitions. It also revives a long-standing motorsport synergy between Aston Martin and Prodrive founder David Richards. Alonso hinted at the project ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix, stating he wanted to expand the limits of what is considered possible in motorsport.
His upcoming Dakar entry reunites him with Marc Coma, the five-time motorcycle champion who navigated for Alonso during his 2020 debut. The pair drove a Toyota Hilux to a respectable 13th-place overall finish during that initial foray into cross-country rallying. Despite his current role as director of the Rally of Morocco, Coma will return to the co-driver seat to guide his compatriot through the dunes.
Although the formal contract remains unsigned while lawyers finalise the details, preparations are already well underway. The vehicles are currently in the UK, stripped of their previous Dacia branding.
Fernando Alonso is scheduled to begin initial testing next week, with experienced Spanish engineer Daniel Gratacós overseeing the sessions. Gratacós brings extensive cross-country experience, having recently worked with reigning Dakar champion Nasser Al-Attiyah on the exact machinery Alonso will inherit.
🔥 ASÍ PODRÍA VERSE el Aston Martin con el que Fernando Alonso competirá en el Dakar 2027 👀 Su diseño estaría fuertemente inspirado en el Dreadnought creado por Aston Martin para Call of Duty Modern Warfare 4 📰 MARCA https://t.co/8NJSI7E8zM
— Nachez (@Nachez98) October 6, 2026
A proven partnership off the track
Aston Martin and Prodrive share a deep competitive history dating back to 2004. Richards’ operation designs and manufactures the current Vantage GT3 and GT4 race cars, providing technical support to customer teams globally. The collaboration has secured class victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 24 Hours of Daytona and multiple World Endurance Championship titles.
Richards also previously led an investment consortium that purchased Aston Martin from Ford for approximately £480 million. He served as the brand’s chairman for six years before returning his primary focus to Prodrive following a corporate restructuring.
Prodrive originally developed the Dacia prototypes that recently dominated the discipline. Following Dacia’s withdrawal as an official manufacturer, Prodrive secured at least two chassis.
These vehicles will race under the Aston Martin banner, featuring external cosmetic changes while retaining their proven mechanical foundations. The operation may also continue to utilise Aramco synthetic fuels, reinforcing an existing corporate partnership.
Navigating a competitive landscape
Fernando Alonso faces a steeper challenge than his 2020 campaign. The T1+ category has expanded significantly, with up to 50 top-tier vehicles expected on the starting line. The overall competitive standard in cross-country rallying has surged, meaning the two-time Formula 1 champion will confront a highly specialised and aggressive field.
The location of the 2027 event remains uncertain. Saudi Arabia has hosted the previous seven editions, but regional conflicts threaten to deter teams due to insurance and security concerns. If the Middle Eastern route proves unviable, organisers may shift the legendary endurance race to Morocco, ensuring full participation from major factory and independent teams.
