Alonso denies Dakar 2027 comeback: ‘I don’t think it’s possible’

When speculation spreads through the Formula 1 paddock, Fernando Alonso usually knows how to fan the flames. But in Singapore, the two-time world champion poured cold water on rampant reports claiming he had persuaded Aston Martin to back his return to the brutal Dakar Rally in 2027.

Whispers of an off-road comeback first gathered momentum following Alonso's cryptic comments in Malaysia, where he teased "surprises in the next few weeks".

Spanish media quickly linked the 45-year-old veteran’s words to a second tilt at Dakar – an event he previously tackled with Toyota in 2020 during his grand prix sabbatical. However, fresh off committing to at least one more season on the F1 grid, Alonso set the record straight.

Reality check for the desert trek

Speaking directly ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, the Spaniard made it clear that adding a two-week desert marathon alongside his preparations for a 24-race F1 calendar is simply a non-starter.

“I read those rumours, but no, I don't think it's possible. Physically, it's nearly impossible to fit two demanding programs like a Formula 1 Championship and Dakar,” Alonso told reporters at Marina Bay.

The rejection extended beyond endurance rallies, as Alonso also closed the door on following rival drivers into GT3 sports car competition next season.

“Not GT3 - I never tried. It needs a very big preparation. Every one of these challenges, I think because they were good or more or less competitive in the past, people think that they are easy. It requires a lot of preparation, a lot of determination, a lot of luck to succeed,” he added.

“So when I do the next challenge, I will announce. It will not be a rumour, it will be myself doing it, and it will be because I think there is enough preparation and enough of a risk to take.”

Paddock support for pure racers

While Alonso poured cold water on his immediate crossover plans, Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack expressed total support for drivers stepping outside their primary discipline when the schedule permits.

Facing media questions regarding the speculation, Krack highlighted a growing trend of F1 stars embracing secondary racing pursuits.

• Read also: Aonso reportedly set for sensational Dakar return in 2027

“We had Robert [Kubica] doing rally, we had Kimi [Raikkonen] doing rally, we had Max [Verstappen] doing GT3, we had Lance [Stroll] doing GT3," Krack said.

"I personally like that. It is good for motorsport in general if the drivers do that. What happens, I cannot really say in Fernando's case for next year. But generally, it is a very good thing, and it also shows what racing approach or what racers they are.

"With the calendar we have, they want to do other things. For Max, it was seven weekends in a row with all the GT3 stuff. It shows what racers they are, and it will glue me to the TV as well, like all of us."

For now, any future extra-curricular adventures remain firmly on hold as Alonso keeps his focus entirely locked on Formula 1.

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