Fernando Alonso set for Dakar Rally return as Dacia rebrands to Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso is set to embark on another remarkable adventure in his storied career with a return to the iconic Dakar Rally. According to Spanish media reports, the Aston Martin driver is planning to line up at the world's toughest off-road marathon early next year behind the wheel of a machine badged under the British brand.

This will not be the two-time Formula 1 world champion's first taste of the desert classic. In 2020, Alonso contested the Dakar with Toyota alongside former bike category champion Marc Coma as his co-driver, with the Spanish duo finishing 13th overall. Seven years on, Alonso is ready to take on the challenge once more, with Coma again alongside him in the cockpit. Initial testing with the new vehicle is expected to begin as early as next week.

The veteran Spaniard recently signed an extension with Aston Martin in Formula 1 through to the end of 2027, hinting at the time that exciting ventures outside of Grand Prix racing were on the horizon. While many anticipated a return to sports car endurance racing, his latest project is focused squarely on the off-road rally raid scene.

Aston Martin will not be developing an entirely new prototype for their Dakar assault. Instead, the plan is to utilise Prodrive's proven T1+ challenger, previously run under the Dacia Sandriders banner. The machine will feature a revised exterior sporting Aston Martin's distinctive corporate livery. The cars have already been transported to the UK, where final touches to their visual identity are currently underway.

Throughout his illustrious racing career, Alonso has never confined himself strictly to Formula 1. Alongside his Dakar debut, the Spaniard has contested the Indianapolis 500 and claimed two victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. His crowning achievements, however, remain his back-to-back Formula 1 world titles won with Renault in 2005 and 2006.