Fernando Alonso recently dismissed claims of a 2027 Dakar Rally return alongside Marc Coma, but recent testing activity in Morocco with Prodrive tells a compelling story.
Shortly after Spanish media linked him to a return to the world’s most gruelling rally raid, Fernando Alonso poured cold water on the claims. However, recent actions behind the scenes suggest the Spaniard might not be entirely done with off-road racing.
A history of venturing beyond Formula 1
Turning his attention away from Formula 1 is nothing new for Alonso. Throughout his career, the two-time World Champion has actively sought challenges across endurance racing, IndyCar, and off-road rallies.
His quest to complete the elusive Triple Crown of Motorsport saw him conquer the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice with Toyota Gazoo Racing in 2018 and 2019, alongside Sébastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima. However, his relationship with the Indianapolis 500 has been far more fraught.
In 2017, Alonso famously bypassed the Monaco Grand Prix to contest the Indy 500. Driving for McLaren-Andretti, he impressed by leading 27 laps before an engine failure ended his bid late in the race. Subsequent attempts yielded mixed fortunes. A shocking non-qualification with McLaren Racing in 2019, followed by a 21st-place finish with Arrow McLaren SP in 2020. Alonso remains alongside Juan Pablo Montoya and A.J. Foyt as one of only three drivers to have secured two legs of the Triple Crown, with Graham Hill remaining the sole driver in history to complete all three (Monaco GP, Le Mans 24h, and Indy 500).
In 2020, Alonso made his Dakar Rally debut with Toyota, co-driven by multiple Dakar motorcycle winner and current Rallye du Maroc director Marc Coma. The pair delivered a strong performance, crossing the finish line 13th overall.
Rumours recently surfaced across Spanish media outlets SoyMotor and Marca suggesting that Alonso and Coma were preparing to reunite through a potential project utilising a re-bodied Dacia machine operated by Prodrive.
The opportunity arises as Dacia prepares to step away from Rally-Raid competition following the 2026 season. Additionally, while the Dakar Rally has been staged in Saudi Arabia each January since 2020, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have prompted organisers to evaluate alternative host regions, including Morocco, which recently hosted a round of the W2RC championship.
Fernando Alonso puts Dakar rumours to rest
Addressing the speculation ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, Alonso firmly rejected the immediate likelihood of a dual campaign.
“I’ve read the rumours too,” Alonso admitted in Marina Bay. “But no, physically speaking, I don’t think it’s possible. It’s almost impossible to combine two demanding programmes like a Formula 1 championship and the Dakar Rally.”
“When I take on my next challenge, I’ll announce it myself,” he insisted. “Then it won’t be a rumour anymore, I’ll be the one breaking the news. And that won’t happen until I feel my preparation is good enough and it’s a risk worth taking.”
Despite his clear denial regarding an immediate return, video footage shared on Instagram by Gerard Farré recently surfaced showing Alonso testing a Prodrive-built rally car in Morocco.
Prodrive maintains long-standing operational ties with Aston Martin across GT and endurance racing, a relationship that could naturally build a bridge toward off-road programmes.
Should a future programme materialise under the Prodrive banner, Alonso would potentially join a heavyweight driver roster that includes recent Dakar winner Nasser Al-Attiyah, W2RC champion Lucas Moraes, and 9-time WRC Champion Sébastien Loeb.
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