Driven by the Same Spirit: Africa Eco Race and Fenix Rally Build a unified rally-raid path

Africa Eco Race is proud to announce a new collaboration with RBI Sport and the Fenix Rally, bringing together two events that share a common vision of rally raid — rooted in authenticity, navigation, and human adventure.

More than a partnership, this collaboration reflects a natural alignment between two organizations committed to preserving the original spirit of the discipline. Beyond competition, both events place emphasis on the journey, the environments crossed, and the people who give meaning to every kilometer.

“Driven by the Same Spirit” is not just a message — it is the foundation of a structured pathway for competitors willing to approach rally raid with coherence and ambition.

From the immersive and progressive experience of Fenix Rally in Tunisia to the major challenge of Africa Eco Race, this collaboration offers a clear and logical progression. It allows participants to build their experience step by step before taking on one of the last great African rally raids.

Fenix Rally stands as an ideal preparation ground, helping competitors develop the fundamentals of navigation, race management, desert understanding, and endurance.

From learning to achievement: the path leads to Africa Eco Race.

Across tracks, dunes, and open landscapes, competitors refine their approach, strengthen their consistency, and develop the reflexes required to face longer distances and more demanding environments.

Africa Eco Race represents the culmination of this journey. It embodies a unique experience driven by commitment, heritage, and fidelity to the original spirit of rally raid.

This collaboration reflects a shared ambition: to offer competitors a clear, structured pathway fully aligned with the values of rally raid.

In addition, Loasis L’Original, the historic vehicle event organized alongside the Fenix Rally under the leadership of Gilles Girousse, naturally fits within this dynamic. Participants of Loasis, in line with the HISTORIC category of Africa Eco Race, will benefit from dedicated access conditions to the event, strengthening the bridge between communities sharing the same passion for the history and authenticity of rally raid.

Exclusive benefits for participants

But what concrete advantages will participants gain from this collaboration between the two events?

Competitors entering both the Fenix Rally and the Africa Eco Race will benefit directly from a range of exclusive opportunities designed to support and enhance their rally raid journey. Participants will notably benefit from dedicated entry fee conditions, making the progression between the two events more accessible, coherent, and strategically aligned.

Beyond these initial advantages, additional benefits and dedicated conditions will progressively be introduced in order to further enrich the overall experience and strengthen the connection between the two events and their respective communities.

Full details regarding these exclusive participant programs will be revealed through a dedicated communication focused specifically on this important aspect of the collaboration

Testimonials

Alex Kovatchev, RBI Sport / Fenix Rally

“I believe this is a very strong cooperation structure. The combined strengths of our two organizations can truly bear fruit and leave a meaningful mark across the rally raid world.

The diversity of our events, the quality of services we provide, and the undeniable legacy behind our rallies now offer competitors a coherent and structured pathway.

Breslau represents a rally in the heart of Europe — accessible, challenging, and particularly valuable for co-drivers looking to develop strong navigation skills. Fenix Rally in Tunisia offers a true desert immersion, with seven days of racing, a wide variety of terrain, and a format that combines accessibility with genuine sporting challenge.

Fenix can become the ideal preparation ground for Africa Eco Race and its unique African rally raid experience.

Today, there are many desert rallies, but very few still carry a strong identity and a true philosophy. This collaboration is built precisely around a shared vision of what rally raid should remain: a human adventure driven by authenticity and passion.”

Jean-Louis Schlesser, Founder of Africa Eco Race

“I have known Alex Kovatchev for many years, notably through our respective involvement within the FIA Cross Country Rally Commission. We both evolved within this world through different roles, but with the same deep understanding of what rally raid truly represents.

This collaboration is ultimately a natural and sincere way to reconnect through our respective events while sharing common values and the same vision of the discipline.”

Anthony Schlesser, Director of Africa Eco Race

“I met Alex in Brescia during the presentation of his events, where he had warmly invited us under the initiative of our mutual friend Gilles Girousse, founder of Loasis. Very quickly, the exchanges felt simple and natural — just like on a bivouac.

From this meeting naturally came the idea of building this partnership, with one clear ambition: creating a positive dynamic for all rally raid enthusiasts while remaining faithful to what defines the essence and origins of the discipline.

Continuing to transmit what deeply drives us — passion, adventure, and the pleasure of sharing this unique discipline with our participants.”

Gilles Girousse, Founder of Loasis L’Original

“Loasis L’Original Classic, one of the rare historic rally raids still raced against the clock, is entering a new chapter after three editions in Morocco, now moving to Tunisia.

The partnership established with Fenix Rally, offering seven days of racing and more than 2200 kilometers of special stages, naturally came together. Today, this is further strengthened through an agreement with the renowned Africa Eco Race, allowing participants from both Fenix Rally and Loasis to benefit from dedicated conditions as well as major reciprocal rewards for category winners.

Above all, it is a shared spirit of passion that made this collaboration possible between Alex Kovatchev, Jean-Louis & Anthony Schlesser, and myself — all driven by the same desire: continuing to live our dreams through rally raid.”

 

Source: Africa Eco Race