W2RC 2027 Calendar Announced: Five Epic Rally-Raid Battles Await
The FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) has officially unveiled its 2027 calendar, confirming a five-round championship that will once again take competitors across some of the world’s toughest deserts and off-road landscapes.
From the iconic dunes of Saudi Arabia’s Dakar Rally to the challenging terrain of Morocco, the 2027 season promises another year of endurance, navigation and high-speed off-road competition for the world’s best riders and drivers.
The championship continues to showcase legendary events while maintaining a balanced calendar across the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
W2RC 2027 Calendar
| Round | Event | Country | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Dakar Rally | Saudi Arabia | January 1 to 15 |
| Round 2 | Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge | United Arab Emirates | March 21 to 26 |
| Round 3 | South African Safari Rally | South Africa | June 14 to 19 |
| Round 4 | BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal | Portugal | September 21 to 26 |
| Round 5 | Rallye du Maroc | Morocco | October 24 to 29 |
Round 1: Dakar Rally Returns to Saudi Arabia
The championship begins with the Dakar Rally, widely regarded as the toughest off-road race in the world.
Running from January 1 to January 15, Dakar remains the crown jewel of rally raid, testing competitors with endless dunes, rocky terrain and marathon stages that push both machines and teams to their limits.
A strong Dakar result often lays the foundation for a championship-winning campaign.
Round 2: Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge
Following Dakar, the championship heads to the United Arab Emirates for the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge between March 21 and March 26.
Known for its massive sand dunes and technical navigation, the event has become one of the most respected desert rallies on the calendar and plays a crucial role in shaping the championship standings.
Round 3: South African Safari Rally
One of the newer additions to the championship, the South African Safari Rally, returns from June 14 to June 19.
Unlike the endless deserts of the Middle East, competitors face diverse terrain that includes open savannah, dirt tracks, rocky sections and changing weather conditions.
The event has quickly established itself as one of the most demanding rallies of the season.
Round 4: Portugal Hosts Europe’s Rally-Raid Challenge
The championship then moves to Europe for the BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal, scheduled between September 21 and September 26.
Portugal offers a completely different challenge compared to the African and Middle Eastern rounds, with fast gravel roads, forests and technical navigation rewarding precision over outright speed.
Round 5: Morocco Decides the Championship
The season concludes with the Rallye du Maroc from October 24 to October 29.
Often described as the perfect preparation event for Dakar, Morocco combines rocky tracks, vast deserts and demanding navigation.
With championship points on the line, the final round is expected to deliver another dramatic title fight.
Why the 2027 W2RC Calendar Matters
The five-event championship has become one of the most prestigious competitions in international motorsport, attracting manufacturers including:
- Toyota Gazoo Racing
- Dacia
- Ford M-Sport
- MINI
- KTM
- Honda
- Hero MotoSports
- Husqvarna
As manufacturers continue investing heavily in rally raid, every championship round carries enormous importance in the battle for both riders’ and manufacturers’ titles.
What Fans Can Expect
The 2027 season promises:
- Intense manufacturer rivalries
- Cutting-edge rally-raid technology
- Hundreds of kilometers of timed special stages
- Extreme desert navigation
- High-speed endurance racing
- Championship battles stretching across four countries and three continents
With Dakar opening the season and Morocco closing it, consistency across every round will likely determine the next world champion.
W2RC 2027 Calendar at a Glance
Round 1: Dakar Rally, Saudi Arabia (January 1 to 15)
Round 2: Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, UAE (March 21 to 26)
Round 3: South African Safari Rally, South Africa (June 14 to 19)
Round 4: BP Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal, Portugal (September 21 to 26)
Round 5: Rallye du Maroc, Morocco (October 24 to 29)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rounds are in the W2RC 2027 season?
The 2027 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship consists of five championship rounds.
Which event opens the W2RC 2027 season?
The season begins with the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia from January 1 to January 15.
Which event concludes the championship?
The championship finale takes place at the Rallye du Maroc in Morocco from October 24 to October 29.
Which countries host W2RC races in 2027?
Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Portugal and Morocco.
Categories
- Rally Raid
- W2RC
- Dakar Rally
- Motorsport News
Tags
W2RC 2027, World Rally-Raid Championship, Dakar Rally, Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, South African Safari Rally, Rally Portugal, Rallye du Maroc, FIA Rally Raid, Off-Road Racing, Rally News
