The Repsol Toyota Rally Team kicked off its participation in the 2025 Rallye du Maroc with confidence. On Sunday, October 12, competitors faced a 19-kilometre timed special around Fès, which served both as a first contact with the terrain and to determine the starting order for the following stage. Driving the Toyota Hilux T1+, Esteve completed the stage smoothly, recording the 25th fastest time in Ultimate and 36th overall.
The stage featured hard-packed dirt with numerous crests and elevation changes — a technical surface that required maximum concentration. Esteve delivered a solid and consistent performance, ensuring a strong starting position for the long stage to come.
“At first, I expected a more rocky prologue, but it wasn’t like that. It was a special on dirt tracks, with a hard surface but very soft ground off-line and a lot of elevation changes. In some sections, we lacked a bit of power compared to some rivals, but overall, we’re pleased. We managed the prologue well and secured a good spot for tomorrow’s start. The key here is to be well placed for the first real day of racing, and we’ve achieved that. The car feels great,” explained the driver from Lleida.
Isidre Esteve also emphasised the importance of the Moroccan event, the final round of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), as part of his preparation for the 2026 Dakar Rally:
“Morocco is the gateway to Dakar. Everything we find here — the terrain, the navigation challenges — is very similar to what we’ll face in January. It’s the best possible way to fine-tune our setup.”
Tomorrow, Monday, the rally continues with the first full stage, covering a total of 779 kilometres, including 298 timed kilometres, from Fès to Erfoud, where the teams will remain until the end of the competition.
Source: Repsol Toyota Rally Team
Translation and adaptation: Rally-Raid Network
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