Alonso Set for Dakar Return in 2027 With Aston Martin-Backed Prodrive Machine

Fernando Alonso looks poised for a blockbuster return to the desert. Reports out of Spain say the two-time Formula 1 world champion has agreed a deal to contest the 2027 Dakar Rally in a Prodrive-built T1+ machine re-bodied with Aston Martin colours, seven years after his maiden appearance at the event. The story, broken by SoyMotor and expanded by Autosport, says the agreement was reached as far back as August but has only just leaked. Alonso, who has extended his Aston Martin F1 contract through 2027, hinted at something brewing during last weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix, telling reporters to expect surprises in the coming weeks. The car at the centre of the project is a proven winner: the Prodrive-built machine previously campaigned as the Dacia Sandrider, which took overall victory at the 2026 Dakar. It is understood to be undergoing conversion in the UK, with custom Aston Martin bodywork being prepared. Familiar faces are returning for the mission. Five-time Dakar motorcycle champion Marc Coma, who navigated Alonso to 13th place on his 2020 Dakar debut in a Toyota Hilux, is expected back in the co-driver's seat, while engineer Daniel Gratacos is tipped to oversee early running. First tests are reportedly slated for as early as next week, in the break between the Singapore and United States Grands Prix. The 2027 Dakar is set to start on January 1 with 13 stages across Saudi Arabia — comfortably before the 2027 Formula 1 season begins in March. The deal is not yet official, with final contract details still to be settled, but if it lands, Alonso would race for the same manufacturer in F1 and the world's most famous rally raid.