Fernando Alonso prepares for a return to the Dakar Rally with Aston Martin.

"Yes, exactly, I had to stop. I had to switch off from Formula 1," Alonso reflected on those times.

"I needed to explore different formulas and series, and learn from the experts in those fields to become a more well-rounded driver. That was crucial for me, and I still find those challenges enticing. I cannot say when I will pursue them again, but I will revisit those experiences."

"I thrive on challenges. My approach to motorsport and my lifestyle revolve around racing cars. It has defined my life, and I believe my adaptability to various cars and regulations—V10, V8, V6, Bridgestone, Michelin, Pirelli, KERS, hybrid, ground-effect vehicles, and so on—has been my strength. Additionally, I've engaged in different series: prototypes, Indy, Dakar.

Alonso has already contested the Dakar, with Toyota in 2020

"I try to leverage that strength and perhaps take on challenges that were feasible in the 1960s, '80s, or '90s, which others might not attempt today. Max is the only one currently trying his hand at some GT racing. But aside from that, I relish that challenge."

"I've explored these avenues in the past and will continue to do so. So yes, you might see more surprises in the coming weeks. There are aspects that people may deem impossible, but I want to push the boundaries of what can be achieved."

The Dakar Rally is notorious for its demanding nature, originally known as the Paris-Dakar Rally, but had to relocate due to instability in North Africa. After several years in South America, it is now hosted in Saudi Arabia.

Alonso is set to drive an Aston Martin-branded vehicle developed by Prodrive, based on the Dacia Sandrider, which recently won the event with Nasser Al-Attiyah and co-driver Fabian Lurquin. Shortly after, Dacia announced it would conclude its involvement in the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) a year earlier than planned, wrapping up at the end of 2026 instead of 2027.

The Sandrider evolved from the Prodrive Hunter project, which was re-engineered and redesigned to resemble the Dacia Manifesto concept vehicle. The base model allows for relatively uncomplicated modifications to both the body and powertrain.

Motorsport.com has learned that one proposal on the table is to name the new vehicle the Dreadnought, inspired by the virtual Aston Martin concept from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, with the body styled accordingly.

Prodrive has a longstanding relationship with Aston Martin. Founder David Richards served as the chairman of the British brand from 2007 to 2013 and led Aston Martin’s successful GT and prototype sports car racing program.

Initial tests with the Dacia Sandrider, which will form the foundation of the Dakar Aston Martin, are expected to commence in the upcoming weeks. Marc Coma, who partnered with Alonso in 2020, is anticipated to return as his co-driver. The fellow Spaniard is a Dakar legend, having secured five wins in the motorcycle category with KTM between 2006 and 2015.

The Dakar is unfinished business for Alonso, who finished 13th in 2020

Prodrive reportedly intends to establish a comprehensive Dakar team centered around the Sandrider initiative rather than just a single entry for Alonso and Coma. According to Spanish reports, Al-Attiyah and Sebastien Loeb are also being evaluated as potential drivers. However, there has been no official announcement regarding the program as of yet.

There is also ambiguity regarding the location of the 2027 Dakar Rally. Until 2007, during its classic period, the event spanned decades from Europe into West Africa, typically concluding in Dakar. The 2008 edition was canceled due to security issues in Mauritania. From 2009 to 2019, the event retained the Dakar name but took place in South America before relocating to Saudi Arabia in 2020.

Officially, the 2027 Dakar is still planned to occur in Saudi Arabia from January 1-15. The organizer ASO has already released a detailed route consisting of 13 stages and a total of 5,320 kilometers of competitive terrain. The FIA continues to list Saudi Arabia as the official host country.

However, significant uncertainty exists due to the geopolitical security climate in the Middle East. Recent reports indicate that ASO is working on a backup plan that would see Morocco step in as an alternative host.

A more condensed event of approximately eight stages is reportedly under consideration, although no final decision has been made to shift the rally to Morocco.