Fernando Alonso is set to return to the Dakar Rally in 2027, with SoyMotor.com reporting that the Aston Martin Formula 1 driver has agreed a deal to compete in a Prodrive-built T1+ car carrying Aston Martin bodywork.
The report, published by SoyMotor on October 5, says the agreement is already in place but that the final contract has yet to be signed. Alonso is expected to begin testing the car as early as next week, with his former Dakar co-driver Marc Coma also set to return alongside him.
The project would give Alonso an unusual opportunity to represent the same manufacturer in both Formula 1 and the world’s most famous cross-country rally.
Alonso hinted that another challenge was coming
Alonso appeared to tease the project during his pre-race press conference at the Malaysian Grand Prix, telling reporters: “Perhaps there will be more surprises in the coming weeks, there are things that people probably think are impossible, but I want to find the limits of what is possible.”
According to SoyMotor, those comments were referring to his planned return to the Dakar after his first appearance in the event in 2020. Alonso completed that event in 13th place in a Toyota Hilux T1, with five-time Dakar motorcycle winner Marc Coma alongside him as co-driver.
The new challenge would be considerably different, however, with Alonso expected to drive a T1+ car — the premier category of Dakar machinery.
Former Dacia Dakar winner to become Aston Martin
The car at the centre of the project is reportedly a former Dacia Sandrider operated by Prodrive.
SoyMotor says the vehicle will be transformed and rebadged with Aston Martin bodywork for the 2027 event. The cars and associated trucks are already in the United Kingdom, while the Aston Martin bodywork moulds are still being prepared.
The first test is expected to take place next week, although the report says the car will not yet have its final Aston Martin bodywork for that initial running. Daniel Gratacós is expected to serve as Alonso’s engineer for the test. He has previous Dakar experience working with Nasser Al-Attiyah on the same Dacia machinery.
Marc Coma set to reunite with Alonso
The reported return of Coma would provide Alonso with a familiar partner for what is likely to be a significantly more competitive Dakar than the Spaniard experienced in 2020.
Coma is currently involved in the organisation of the Rally of Morocco but has previously left the door open to another Dakar appearance. SoyMotor reports that he is now Alonso’s preferred choice for the event following their successful collaboration in 2020.
The Prodrive connection also makes the project particularly significant for Aston Martin. The British company has worked with David Richards’ organisation for more than two decades in GT racing, while Prodrive has been responsible for developing Aston Martin’s Vantage GT3 and GT4 machinery.
Prodrive’s Dakar programme has also produced significant success, with its machinery evolving into the Dacia Sandrider that won the 2026 Dakar with Nasser Al-Attiyah.
Alonso faces a much tougher Dakar challenge
A return to Dakar would nevertheless represent a major challenge for Alonso.
SoyMotor notes that the number of competitive T1+ cars has grown considerably since his 2020 appearance, with as many as 50 cars potentially available in the premier class. The competitive level of the rally-raid discipline has also increased significantly.
Alonso therefore would not simply be returning to the event he experienced six years ago. He would be entering a deeper and more competitive field, while having spent several years focused primarily on Formula 1.
For now, the agreement remains subject to final contractual details. But if the deal is completed as expected, Alonso could enter 2027 with two very different competitive programmes: another Formula 1 season with Aston Martin and a return to the Dakar behind the wheel of an Aston Martin-bodied Prodrive T1+.
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