FIM/FIA confirm five‑round 2027 World Rally‑Raid Championship

The headline from today’s official release is familiarity with an improved rhythm. Dakar remains the season opener (Jan 1–15), preserving the traditional early‑year focus on the biggest rally in the sport, while Abu Dhabi follows as round two in March to keep the Middle East sequence compact. The South African Safari Rally returns as the season’s third round (June 14–19), replacing Argentina’s alternative, and Europe is represented by the bp Ultimate Rally‑Raid Portugal (Sept 21–26) ahead of the championship finale at Rallye OLA Energy du Maroc (Oct 24–29). These dates were confirmed in the FIM/FIA/A.S.O. announcement. ([cyclenews.com](https://www.cyclenews.com/2026/08/article/2027-fim-world-rally-raid-championship-calendar/))

Operationally, the calendar’s larger gaps between certain rounds are the practical takeaway: organisers say they intentionally allowed more time between events to reduce freight pressure and give competitors more breathing room for repairs, logistics and rider recovery. That approach will matter most to privateer teams and manufacturers trying to balance rally‑raid with other international programmes. ([cyclenews.com](https://www.cyclenews.com/2026/08/article/2027-fim-world-rally-raid-championship-calendar/))

The Safari Rally’s return restores an African round to the core championship and broadens the championship’s global footprint. For manufacturers and teams, the reintegration of South Africa — alongside Morocco and Portugal — also has commercial and promotional benefits in markets where rally‑raid is developing or returning. Officials from A.S.O., the FIA and the FIM framed the calendar as both stable and growth‑oriented in their statements. ([cyclenews.com](https://www.cyclenews.com/2026/08/article/2027-fim-world-rally-raid-championship-calendar/))