X-raid looking forward to Dakar 2027 – route announced
- A.S.O. presents 2027 route in Paris
- 5,320 kilometers against the clock
A.S.O. presented the route for the 2027 Dakar Rally in Paris—the first time since the pandemic that the reveal has taken place in front of teams, drivers, and other guests. While in recent years only the start and finish cities were initially announced, with the rest of the route published months later, Dakar enthusiasts learned about all the 2027 stations today. The 49th edition of the legendary marathon rally will be held in Saudi Arabia for the eighth time from January 1 to 15, 2027. The Dakar begins and ends in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) – approximately 100 kilometers north of Jeddah. Participants will spend their rest day in Bisha.
The 2027 Route: 5,320 Kilometers Against the Clock
For the first time since the rally moved to Saudi Arabia in 2020, the symbolic mark of 5,000 competitive kilometers will be exceeded. In total, participants must tackle 5,320 kilometers against the clock, embedded within a total distance of 8,390 kilometers.
The rally starts and ends in KAEC at the Red Sea. From there, the course leads in a giant loop through the Kingdom, with diversity at its core. Compared to the previous edition, the proportion of sand and dunes will be significantly increased. But that is not the only thing participants are looking forward to: Dakar Director David Castera simultaneously announced fewer rocky passages.
The route also takes participants into previously unknown terrain in the south, where a marathon bivouac will be set up at 2,500 meters above sea level. With the “Marathon Refuge” (Stage 6/7) and the second “Marathon” (Stage 11/12), the endurance of both man and machine will be put to a severe test twice.
Despite the promise that there will be fewer rocky sections overall, special pit stops for tire changes are planned for stages two and three due to the extreme terrain in volcanic regions.
The Dakar 2027 contains all the ingredients needed to remain one of the greatest adventures of our time. However, until the start in January 2027, numerous challenges on different continents still need to be overcome
Statement
Sven Quandt (X-raid team principal): “This is going to be a very long Dakar. Durability and consistency will play an even greater role. I am glad that A.S.O. published the entire route immediately. This makes preparations easier—not just for the vehicle, but also in terms of logistics.”
