The prologue route was characterized by many trees with low-hanging branches. Compared to the shakedown two days earlier, there was now more space for the trucks and the course had more sand. The battle for tomorrow's starting grid took place over a distance of 19 kilometers.
With starting number 500, the truck of Boss Machinery Team De Rooy FPT was allowed to open the ball. Janus van Kasteren drove as sharp as a knife as always. As a result, the Iveco Powerstar served as a mobile hedge trimmer on this course. After only five kilometers it resulted in a shattered windshield.
Van Kasteren was the first truck to make way for the competition, which benefited from all the pruning work done. Despite the broken windscreen, Van Kasteren, Snijders and Rodewald clocked the third fastest time. This makes them only 47 seconds slower than day winner Martin Macik.
De Rooy colleague Michiel Becx finished second, 39 seconds behind the Czech Macik. Excellent result for Becx, Kuijpers and Van Ginkel. The men of Becx Competition Team De Rooy FPT were able to drive at a nice pace.
Fortunately, there was more space for the trucks compared to the shakedown. Becx felt good and relaxed in the truck and navigator Kuijpers said it was a great test: "We didn't experience anything crazy, played it safe and still drove a very good time."
"A good result in this starting field.” All in all, a great start to Rallye du Maroc.
It will only become clear tomorrow how the starting field compares to each other. Then the first real stage is on the rally menu and will be fought over a distance of no less than 311 clocked kilometers. The first dunes also await. In addition, almost 400 connection kilometers are covered.
The teams have a long day ahead of them, but the gloves are off.
Source Boss Machinery Team De Rooy FPT
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