the essential
Seven years after his first participation in the legendary rally-raid race, the Moissagais racing driver (Tarn-et-Garonne), Francis Balocchi, is putting on the rubber to go to Saudi Arabia in January 2025.
In a message posted on social networks at the beginning of November, Francis Balocchi formalized his participation in the next edition of the Paris-Dakar, in January 2025, in the Arabian Peninsula.
Sparking several messages of sympathy from his “fans”: “All my encouragement for a great adventure”, “Glad to see you back in business”, “Bravo for the commitment”…
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It must be said that the Moissagais waited 7 years before getting back behind the wheel to take part in one of the biggest races in motorsport. For his greatest happiness.
The final preparations before the big departure
It is within the premises of the company Meris Sarl, one of the French leaders in the design and construction of drying solutions for the agricultural and agri-food industries, located in the Luc activity zone in Moissac, that we met François Balocchi.
Not without difficulty, given the entrepreneur and racing driver’s busy schedule recently, between Moissac, Rennes and Ajaccio. “I work a lot less,” assures the newly retired. At the moment, it’s more the final preparations then a lot of sport. Every day, I do it for 1 hour 30 minutes.”
Cycling, rowing, muscle strengthening… everything is good to prepare the body of the 64-year-old man to face the terrain of Saudi Arabia. The organizers of which, Amaury Sport Organization, have just revealed the official route, this Thursday, November 28, from January 3 to 17, 2025: “It’s an event that I love. It’s both legendary and very hard. You have to drive on average 10 hours a day at full throttle (up to 180 km/h). Then we get shaken like in a washing machine. »
“As soon as I put a helmet on my head, I ride hard”
After the first participation in 2018 in several South American countries (Peru, Bolivia and Argentina), Francis Balocchi is embarking on a new adventure.
In the “car” category, he will face driving aces like Sébastien Loeb or Stéphane Peterhansel, aboard an Optimus buggy from the MD Rallye Sport team. All with bib 261. Making him first one of the only amateurs in the competition among the 120 participants, but then one of the oldest in the race.
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The Moissagais of Corsican origin will be accompanied by co-driver Anthony Pes for the occasion. So why 7 years later? “It was my son who pushed me to do it,” he smiles. A decision taken at the beginning of the year.
“I have always loved motorsport. As soon as I put a helmet on my head, I ride hard,” says the multiple French champion…
Seven years after giving up, what can Francis Balocchi hope for this 47th edition? “The first thing is to finish the race well. We’ll see what happens next,” he confides between two phone calls, looking forward to the big departure in a few weeks now. Before concluding: “I’m really looking forward to it. »
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