Alonso tests Prodrive rally car in Morocco as Dakar speculation returns

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Footage of Fernando Alonso at a Prodrive test in Morocco has revived talk of a 2027 Dakar entry. He had said a Dakar campaign and an F1 championship would be almost impossible to combine; the test does not confirm an entry.

From the GPBeat newsroomPublished · 17 Oct 2026, 10:27 · 1 min

Fernando Alonso has been pictured at the wheel of a Prodrive rally car during a test in Morocco, reviving speculation about a possible 2027 Dakar Rally entry. Footage posted on Instagram by Gerard Farré showed the Spaniard in an all-black race car on Friday.

The test is not confirmation that Alonso plans to enter. In Singapore, the Aston Martin driver had denied suggestions he would line up for the 2027 Dakar. He said he did not think it was physically possible to combine a Formula 1 championship with the rally, describing the pairing as almost impossible.

Alonso has Dakar experience, having competed in the rally in 2020. Prodrive had been working with Dacia on its Dakar programme and is understood to be preparing to enter under Aston Martin branding.

The rally’s venue is also uncertain. Dakar is traditionally held in Saudi Arabia between January 1 and 15, but amid unrest in the Middle East, contingency plans are reportedly being drawn up, with Morocco touted as a possible alternative. If the event moves there, the logistical hurdle for Alonso would shrink.

Alonso said he would announce his next challenge himself only when he felt his preparation was good enough and the risk worth taking.

Sources 01