The start of the 25th edition of the Rallye du Maroc, fifth and final stage of the World Rally Raid Championships (W2RC), was given on Sunday in Marrakech. Nasser Al-Attiyah and Dacia were the fastest in the first stage.
Placed under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this edition, which continues until October 11, brings together the biggest world and Arab names in this mechanical sport, with a total route of 2,468 kilometers, including 1,512 kilometers of special tests. Thus, the first and second stages of this sporting event took place in Zagora on October 7 and 8 over distances of 496 and 475 kilometers respectively before the third stage, scheduled for October 9, connects Zagora to Mengoub, near Bouaârfa , over a distance of 676 kilometers. The fourth and fifth stages, which will be held on October 10 and 11 in Mengoub, will include courses of 373 and 374 kilometers respectively, thus closing this prestigious competition.
The headliner of this rally will be the Qatari star Nasser Al-Attiyah, current leader of the general classification of the world championship, who will be in strong competition with the Saudi Yazeed Al-Rajhi, title holder of the last edition of the Rally of Morocco, as well as his compatriot Yasser Bin Saedan who is looking to win a world title in the light vehicle (SSV) category. Drawing on his long experience, Al-Attiyah won the first stage at the wheel of a Dacia Sandrider. The Qatari was 1’39 ahead of Yazeed Al-Rajhi (Toyota) on his rival for the title. The podium was completed by Carlos Sainz, 2’33 behind the leader, showing that the other big finisher in this event, Ford M-Sport, was also already on the pace. Moreover, Mattias Ekstrom placed the second Ford Raptor in fifth position (+6’09). This edition also sees the participation of international champions, such as the Spaniard Carlos Sainz, the French champion Sébastien Loeb at the wheel of a Dacia car, in addition to the Brazilian Lucas Moraes, the Saudi star Dania Aqeel and the Qatari Ahmed Fahad Al -Kuwari. The Morocco Rally also sees the participation of 271 vehicles, including 126 cars complying with the regulations of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and 136 motorcycles affiliated with the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM), representing 28 countries. The motorcycle category will see fierce competition, notably between the Botswanan Ross Branch of the Hero team, the American Ricky Brabec on a Honda and the Frenchman Adrien Van Beveren of the Yamaha team.
Morocco is participating in this rally with the “Africa Rallye Team”, represented by the duo Jawhara Bennani and Amine Guessous in the “Challenge” category, as well as by Ali Oubassi and Hanane Amraoui in the Open category.
In the motorcycle category, the Moroccan Soleiman Al Dhahri is participating in “Rally 3”, with the objective of improving his third place obtained during the last edition. The organizers hope that the 25th edition of the Rallye du Maroc will be successful at all levels, exciting, full of challenges and intense competition between competitors.
