Fernando Alonso just lately dismissed claims of a 2027 Dakar Rally return alongside Marc Coma, however latest testing exercise 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 chilly water on the claims. Nevertheless, latest actions behind the scenes recommend the Spaniard won’t be fully performed with off-road racing.
A historical past of venturing past Method 1
Turning his consideration away from Method 1 is nothing new for Alonso. All through his profession, the two-time World Champion has actively sought challenges throughout endurance racing, IndyCar, and off-road rallies.
His quest to finish the elusive Triple Crown of Motorsport noticed him conquer the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice with Toyota Gazoo Racing in 2018 and 2019, alongside Sébastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima. Nevertheless, his relationship with the Indianapolis 500 has been way more fraught.
In 2017, Alonso famously bypassed the Monaco Grand Prix to contest the Indy 500. Driving for McLaren-Andretti, he impressed by main 27 laps earlier than an engine failure ended his bid late within the race. Subsequent makes an attempt yielded blended fortunes. A surprising non-qualification with McLaren Racing in 2019, adopted by a Twenty first-place end with Arrow McLaren SP in 2020. Alonso stays alongside Juan Pablo Montoya and A.J. Foyt as one in all solely three drivers to have secured two legs of the Triple Crown, with Graham Hill remaining the only driver in historical past to finish all three (Monaco GP, Le Mans 24h, and Indy 500).
In 2020, Alonso made his Dakar Rally debut with Toyota, co-driven by a number of Dakar motorbike winner and present Rallye du Maroc director Marc Coma. The pair delivered a robust efficiency, crossing the end line thirteenth general.
Rumours just lately surfaced throughout Spanish media retailers SoyMotor and Marca suggesting that Alonso and Coma had been making ready to reunite by a possible challenge utilising a re-bodied Dacia machine operated by Prodrive.
The chance arises as Dacia prepares to step away from Rally-Raid competitors following the 2026 season. Moreover, whereas the Dakar Rally has been staged in Saudi Arabia every January since 2020, geopolitical tensions within the Center East have prompted organisers to guage different host areas, together with Morocco, which just lately hosted a spherical of the W2RC championship.
Fernando Alonso places Dakar rumours to relaxation
Addressing the hypothesis forward of the Singapore Grand Prix, Alonso firmly rejected the speedy probability of a twin marketing campaign.
“I’ve learn the rumours too,” Alonso admitted in Marina Bay. “However no, bodily talking, I don’t assume it’s potential. It’s virtually not possible to mix two demanding programmes like a Method 1 championship and the Dakar Rally.”
“Once I tackle my subsequent problem, I’ll announce it myself,” he insisted. “Then it gained’t be a hearsay anymore, I’ll be the one breaking the information. And that gained’t occur till I really feel my preparation is sweet sufficient and it’s a danger value taking.”
Regardless of his clear denial concerning a right away return, video footage shared on Instagram by Gerard Farré just lately surfaced exhibiting Alonso testing a Prodrive-built rally automotive in Morocco.
Prodrive maintains long-standing operational ties with Aston Martin throughout GT and endurance racing, a relationship that would naturally construct a bridge towards off-road programmes.
Ought to a future programme materialise below the Prodrive banner, Alonso would doubtlessly be part of a heavyweight driver roster that features latest Dakar winner Nasser Al-Attiyah, W2RC champion Lucas Moraes, and 9-time WRC Champion Sébastien Loeb.
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