Souad Mouktadiri with the Vivo Energy team.
“The Dakar Rally is an extreme competition that demands exceptional performance,” she confided, “and I am proud to be able to count on trusted partners (Vivo Energy). As the first Moroccan driver in the Dakar Rally, I am determined to represent our country and I hope to encourage women to believe more and more in themselves and to take on challenges.
At 53, Souad Mouktadiri is one of the rare female rally drivers, and the first Moroccan to represent her country in international competitions.
Married and mother of two children, she graduated with a master’s degree in Management which led her to the digital and information technology sector in the 1990s.
Operations manager, EDM project manager, she has worked for several large groups, including FinanceCom, and today Smile, European leader in open source.
“A force for relaxation and breathing”
A native of Casablanca, the young woman discovered a passion for motorsport, which she says represents for her “a force for relaxation and breathing”.
She fell in love with the desert during a trip during which she set off to discover Morocco. The sight of these sumptuous spaces of sand fascinates her, and it is the birth of a great love story. In this world dominated by men, the young woman is determined to establish herself in this male sport and in January 2006, she decided to buy a Land Cruiser.
The great enthusiast of the desert documents, discovers and learns quickly. First during a tourist raid, then by experiencing the 2012 Morocco Rally from the inside. She took part in it a few years later, before continuing with other races: the Andalucia Rally, the Morocco Desert Challenge or the Africa Eco Race. Over time, she gains experience and speed before facing the Dakar, the ultimate test of her sport.
The adventure of the Mouktadiri Racing Team is not far from being 100% Moroccan. The car was prepared domestically by Moroccans, with a chassis assembled in Merzouga. ATV Organizations Maroc, which provides assistance, is based in Zagora. His French co-driver Vincent Ferri has Moroccan origins from his mother. A true enthusiast of motor sports (motorcycles, etc.), the Grenoblois landscaper is a jack-of-all-trades and a formidable professional car and motorcycle mechanic who will be of great help to him.
“The flag of Morocco must be on the podium”
“In recent years, rally raids have almost become a national duty for me,” confides the woman who recalls not having gotten into motor sports from a very young age. “I asked myself what the limit of this passion is, and it’s the Dakar,” she continues. I had the chance to experience it from the inside in 2023 thanks to sponsors and the invitation of David Castera, a golden man who does a lot for sport in Morocco. It made me want it, obviously.
I did rallies in Morocco, and I tested myself on the length during the Africa Eco Race. This is the first time that a Moroccan woman will participate in the Dakar by car. I must reach the finish at all costs, the Moroccan flag must be on the podium. I will ride safely to finish it cleanly, like I did in the Africa Eco Race,” she concludes.
A strong message for women and youth
For Souad Mouktadiri, the challenge of the Dakar goes beyond the scope of sport. This partnership with Vivo Energy Maroc is part of a broader vision: inspiring young people, especially women, to dare to dream big and pursue their ambitions.
Vivo Energy Maroc is also committed to sharing the story of Souad with schools, universities and associations. This testimony aims to motivate younger generations, by highlighting the importance of education as the basis of all success.
Souad’s participation marks a turning point for Moroccan motorsport, highlighting female excellence in a sport dominated by men and where women remain under-represented.
