The second day of the Africa Eco Race 2025 unfolded with thrilling action, as competitors tackled a demanding stage from Tarda to Tagounite. Spanning 358 km, including 319 km of selective sector, the stage showcased the wild beauty of southern Morocco with a mix of rocky paths, sandy sections and the first dunes of the rally.
Car Category: Benoit Fretin Dominant
Benoit Fretin stole the show in the car category, driving his Century CR6 to the fastest time of the day and taking the lead in the overall standings. Reflecting on the milestone, Fretin said:
“It was very fast at the start, allowing us to reach the limit of 168 km/h, which is the limit imposed. The dunes reminded us that we hadn’t lost our touch, although a small navigation error cost us 5 minutes. The last section was difficult, probably due to the bad weather conditions last fall.”
Vincent Vroninks secured second place, while Pierre Lafay, the winner of Day 1, slipped to third after losing ten minutes due to a puncture and difficulties with the jack. The podium ranking reflects the overall ranking, setting the stage for an intense battle in the days to come.
Truck Category: Dutch Drivers in a Close Race
In the truck category, Gerrit Zuurmond powered his MAN to victory, finishing five minutes ahead of fellow Dutchman William de Van Groningen in an Iveco. The general classification is just as close, with Zuurmond having a slim one-minute lead over de Van Groningen. With the competition heating up, this heavyweight fight promises more excitement in the coming stages.
Historical Category: Eric and Tom Clayes Lead the Dance
The historic category offered its share of drama, with participants covering 180 km of regularity zones. Eric and Tom Clayes distinguished themselves by outclassing the teams of Kurt Dujardin / René Declerq and Fabrice / Magali Morin. Eric Clayes praised the day’s route:
“The landscapes were incredibly varied, with vast open expanses and plenty of space for our machines to shine. The final ZR felt like a WRC stage—fast and exhilarating.”
Future
The second leg of the Africa Eco Race 2025 offered excitement, from breathtaking performances to navigation challenges. With tight margins across all categories, the competition is sure to intensify as the rally progresses through Morocco’s unforgiving terrain. Stay tuned tomorrow for another day of thrilling action and adventure!
