The Rallye du Maroc is widely recognised as one of the toughest and most prestigious events in the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), organised under the FIA and FIM banners. Held across Morocco’s rugged landscapes — from the foothills of the Atlas Mountains to the dunes of the Sahara — it serves as both the grand finale of the world championship and the final major test before the Dakar Rally. The event is famous for its blend of technical navigation, high-speed sections and unpredictable desert terrain that pushes even the best teams to their limits.
Already crowned World Champion in the SSV category, Alexandre Pinto started the Rallye du Maroc in fine form by setting the second-fastest time in today’s 20-kilometre prologue. Driving a Polaris RZR Pro R entered by the Old Friends Rally Team, the young Portuguese star — just 26 years old — is partnered with his fellow World Champion co-driver Bernardo Oliveira. Together, they demonstrated consistency and control in what was a short but risky opener to the final round of the W2RC.
“We kicked off the Rallye du Maroc with a 20-kilometre prologue — very fast, but also very dangerous. It was a tricky stage, yet we managed to keep a strong pace. It went really well: we didn’t make any mistakes, secured the second-best time, and brought the car home in one piece, which is always crucial. We’re ready for tomorrow, when we’ll face a long stage of almost 800 kilometres heading towards Erfoud,” said Alexandre Pinto after completing the stage.
After a season marked by his victory in the Dakar Rally and the subsequent world title, Alexandre Pinto now enters this last event of the year with the confidence of a champion and the calm of experience beyond his years. Supported by his Portuguese team and solid preparation, the goal in Morocco is clear — to finish the season in style.
The Rallye du Maroc continues tomorrow with its first and longest stage, from Fès to Erfoud, covering a 300-kilometre timed special and 480 kilometres of liaison, promising a true test of speed, precision and endurance.
Source: Old Friends Rally Team / Alexandre Pinto official press release
Translation and adaptation Rallye-Raid Network
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