The route for the 2027 edition of the Dakar Rally has been revealed, and organisers are clearly doubling down on endurance. Covering 5,320km of timed special stages, next year's event will be the longest Dakar held since the rally moved to Saudi Arabia in 2020.
This significant increase in mileage is a testament to the rally's growing popularity and the desire to create an even more challenging and unpredictable event. The previous highest special-stage total came in 2025 with 4,903km, meaning next year’s route adds more than 400km of competitive distance.
The route for Dakar 2027 will take competitors on a thrilling journey across Saudi Arabia, with three entirely new stages focused around the Red Sea region. This added variety is expected to make the event even more exciting and demanding.
Organisers have confirmed that sand will play a bigger role than it did this year, while rocky terrain has been scaled back somewhat. This shift may be welcomed by riders tired of destroying wheels, tyres, and hands on endless stone-filled pistes.
Away from the main rally, entries for both the Dakar and Dakar Classic are now open. The historic category, now entering its seventh edition, will receive revised regulations intended to create fairer competition across the various classes of older machinery.
The addition of more sand and varied terrain is expected to make the event even more unpredictable and challenging. Competitors will need to be in top physical and mental condition to navigate the demanding stages.
Luciano Benavides, winner of the Dakar 2026, expressed his enthusiasm for the longer route and format. He believes that this change will allow the best-trained riders to shine and make the event even more exciting.
The increased length and varied terrain of the Dakar Rally 2027 are expected to push competitors to their limits. The rally's endurance and unpredictability will be put to the test in a way that has never been seen before.
With the entries now open, competitors can start preparing for what promises to be an epic battle on the Saudi desert roads.
The Dakar Rally 2027 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and demanding events in the world of motorsport. With its unique blend of endurance, speed, and adventure, it's sure to captivate audiences around the globe.
The increased length and varied terrain will push competitors to their limits.
