The Rallye du Maroc is one of the most prestigious and demanding events in the international rally-raid calendar. Held annually in Morocco, it serves as the final round of the FIA–FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), and is regarded as the ultimate test before the legendary Dakar Rally. Competitors face hundreds of kilometres of varied terrain — from rocky mountains and riverbeds to endless dunes — where endurance, navigation skills and strategy make all the difference.
Today, Portuguese rider Bruno Santos began his participation in the Rallye du Maroc, the last event of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). Riding the Husqvarna 450 Rally that he debuted in Portugal — with which he achieved a remarkable 2nd place in the Rally2 category — the rider from Torres Vedras approached the opening day with caution. The prologue, held in Fès, was short but technical, and served mainly to determine the starting order for tomorrow’s first stage — the longest and most demanding of the African rally.
“The Rallye du Maroc has started, and today we had a 19-kilometre prologue through mountain tracks — constant climbs and descents, with more than 50 roadbook notes. It was a route full of dangers that required total focus. I decided to ride carefully and pay close attention to the roadbook so as not to miss any waypoints — many of them required us to pass within 20 metres — and in that sense, it went well. The result wasn’t spectacular, but it was solid and puts me in a good position for tomorrow’s stage. I avoided penalties, unlike some others, and I’m feeling positive about what’s ahead. Tomorrow will be a long day, over 700 kilometres, and it promises to be a real challenge,” explained Bruno Santos at the end of the prologue in Fès.
Supported by Frutas Patrícia Pilar and Momento TT, Bruno Santos now faces the first stage of the Rallye du Maroc, a marathon leg from Fès to Erfoud, featuring a 300-kilometre timed special and 480 kilometres of liaison — a true test of endurance and consistency.
Source: Bruno Santos official press release
Translation and adaptation: Rally-Raid Network
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