Just a few hours ago we were discussing in the editorial office what the future of the next editions of the legendary Dakar Rally. There are those who think that everything will continue as before, that is, being held in Saudi lands. Also who treasures the certainty that, sooner rather than later, the legendary off-road sporting event will end up being held in China:
“Looking into the future in my own crystal ball, I see that the Dakar will go to China. When? As soon as the Chinese want! But not before imposing some important conditions”stated Gustavo Cuervo in his last opinion article. Also, the Dakar is not just another race, it is the competition that shows the most fascinating places in the world. And although landscapes take thousands of years to change, geopolitical issues change with astonishing speed.
Morocco #1 candidate to save the 2027 Dakar Rally
It is precisely as a result of the latter, the current geopolitical issues in Saudi Arabia, that have led the organization to issue an official statement explaining the reasons for the suspension of the 2027 Dakar Rally in said country: “Amaury Sport Organization and Saudi Motorsport Company have jointly decided that the Dakar Saudi Arabia 2027… will not be held in the Kingdom, following recent events in the region”they claim.
With this bleak outlook, the country that sounds the loudest to celebrate the 49th edition of the event is Morocco. There is even talk of an old-fashioned competition, starting in Europe and ending in the Alawite kingdom. In any case, the reorganization of the event is a truly titanic task given the enormous infrastructure needed to hold a competition of this type.
In addition, the promoters of Dakar 2027 are playing against another key factor in the whole matter: the date of the race. Taking into account that their dispute was planned from January 1 to 15, 2027there is not much time they have to organize themselves. Having said all this, the promoters argue that this decision, exceptional and timely, has been taken in coordination with the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), and with the support of the FIA and the FIM.
They also ensure that the “Dakar 2027 will be held”. They also emphasize that the “Location will be announced separately in the coming days. ASO is in direct contact with competitors, teams and partners to accompany them in the preparation of this edition”. This makes us think that at the moment no agreement could have been closed with Morocco, or any other country for the celebration of the famous RAID.
“Saudi Arabia will host Dakar 2028”
Curiously, while the suspension of the 2027 Dakar in Saudi Arabia was announced, it was simultaneously stated that the rally will return to the venue in 2028: “Both organizations are already working together to make this milestone an exceptional moment for the Dakar and for the Kingdom, with the shared commitment to once again offer a world-class emblematic event, which meets the highest quality standards.”
Let us remember that Since 2020, Saudi Arabia has hosted seven consecutive editions of the Dakar, welcoming competitors from all over the world on courses that have highlighted the extraordinary geographical diversity of the Kingdom. These editions have made Saudi Arabia an integral part of the Dakar community, consolidating a solid and lasting strategic alliance between ASO, SMC and the SAMF.
That is why, when asked if Saudi Arabia will host the Dakar 2028, “The three organizations reaffirm their commitment to continue their cooperation, develop motor sport in the Kingdom and offer exceptional experiences to competitors, teams and fans”assuming that this will be the case. Another very different thing is that the “warlords” finally allow it.
