Dakar 2027 unveiled: Saudi-record route, major Classic rule overhaul

ASO presented the route for the 49th Dakar Rally in Paris this week. The 2027 edition runs from 1 to 15 January 2027 in Saudi Arabia, with start and finish in King Abdullah Economic City on the Red Sea — a new venue for the rally.

The headline number: 5,320 kilometres of special sections, the longest competitive distance of any Saudi Arabian Dakar to date. The previous record was 4,903 km in 2025. Total route is 8,390 km across 13 stages plus a prologue, with a rest day in Bisha on 9 January.

ASO Director David Castera framed the route as "more kilometres against the clock than any previous edition in Saudi Arabia." The 2027 edition is built around a marathon refuge stage on 7-8 January and a marathon stage in Al Bahah on 13-14 January, with overnight service heavily restricted on consecutive nights. Stage 12 — at 905 km the longest of the rally — finishes back in KAEC after a beach-side opening that gives way to mountain terrain. ASO promised three things throughout the presentation: more variety, more sand than 2026, and more unfamiliar terrain in the south.

Dakar Classic 2027 reglement update

The Dakar Classic gets the largest reglement update since the class launched in 2021. Ninety percent of the route is brand new, and three major changes reshape privateer strategy.

A Secret Navigation Test will see roadbooks handed out at the start of certain specials rather than the night before — eliminating the advantage of crews with cutting-edge prep technology.

A new XXL stage format runs one regularity stage per week as a single uninterrupted block.

And the speed group system has been overhauled: crews can no longer freely choose between H1 and H4. Instead, vehicle performance dictates the group, and the period system has been simplified from three periods to two (Period A: 1978-1998, Period B: 1999-2005). Period B vehicles are now restricted to H3 and H4. Vehicle selection effectively locks in race strategy.

The Classic covers 7,075 km in total with 3,930 km of selective sections. The Super Regularity Test introduced in 2026 returns in multiple stages, and a mass-start special is a first for the historic class.

We were at the ASO presentation in Paris. The Dakar Classic is becoming a real competition, not a ceremony. If you are considering an entry to the 2027 Dakar Rally or Dakar Classic, the new rules — particularly around vehicle selection — make early conversations more valuable than ever. Get in touch.

Read our full article on the 2027 Dakar Rally route

Dakar 2027 Frequently Asked Question

When does the Dakar Rally 2027 take place?

The Dakar Rally 2027 runs from 1 to 15 January 2027 in Saudi Arabia. It is the 49th edition of the event.

Where does the Dakar 2027 start and finish?

Start and finish are in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) on the Red Sea. KAEC is a new venue for the Dakar Rally.

How long is the Dakar 2027 route?

The total route is 8,390 km, with 5,320 km of special sections across 13 stages plus a prologue. The 5,320 km of competitive distance is a record for any Saudi Arabian Dakar. The previous record was 4,903 km in 2025.

When is the rest day at the Dakar 2027?

The rest day is on 9 January 2027 in Bisha.

What is the longest stage of the Dakar 2027?

Stage 12 is the longest at 905 km. It finishes in KAEC after a beach-side opening section followed by mountain terrain.

What are the marathon stages at the Dakar 2027?

There are two marathon formats: a marathon refuge stage on 7 to 8 January and a marathon stage in Al Bahah on 13 to 14 January. Overnight service is heavily restricted on consecutive nights.

What changes for the Dakar Classic in 2027?

The Dakar Classic 2027 introduces the largest rule overhaul since the class was launched in 2021. Ninety percent of the route is new, and three major changes apply: a Secret Navigation Test, a new XXL stage format, and a revised speed group system tied to vehicle performance.

What is the Secret Navigation Test at the Dakar Classic 2027?

The Secret Navigation Test means roadbooks are handed out at the start of certain special stages rather than the evening before. This removes the advantage for crews using advanced roadbook preparation technology.

What is the XXL stage format at the Dakar Classic 2027?

The XXL format is one regularity stage per week run as a single uninterrupted block, instead of being split into shorter sections.

How does the new speed group system at the Dakar Classic 2027 work?

Crews can no longer freely choose between H1 and H4. Vehicle performance now dictates the speed group. The period system is reduced from three to two periods: Period A covers 1978 to 1998, Period B covers 1999 to 2005. Period B vehicles are restricted to H3 and H4.

How long is the Dakar Classic 2027 route?

The Dakar Classic 2027 covers 7,075 km in total, with 3,930 km of selective sections.

Does the Super Regularity Test return at the Dakar Classic 2027?

Yes. The Super Regularity Test introduced in 2026 returns in multiple stages. A mass-start special is also part of the programme for the first time in the historic class.

Who decides the Dakar 2027 route?

ASO (Amaury Sport Organisation) is the organiser of the Dakar Rally. The 2027 route was presented in Paris by ASO Director David Castera.

About the Author:

Sven Syfrig is the Team Principal of TimeOut Racing, an international off-road motorsport team based in Switzerland, competing in events like the Dakar Classic. As an active rally driver and YouTube content creator, he shares hands-on insights from the cockpit, the workshop, and the world of amateur rally racing