The final day of The Rock Trophy 2025 arrived with one last opportunity for competitors to make their mark. With the Extreme class covering 89 km and the Challenger class tackling 70 km, this stage presented a brand-new, uncharted route, full of fresh challenges and unanticipated obstacles.
The end of the race was in sight, but the pressure had never been higher. There was no room for error—the final push would decide who would take home the coveted title.
As teams ventured into the unknown, navigation quickly became the defining factor of the day. Every twist and turn required absolute focus and precision, with competitors relying heavily on their instruments to guide them through the challenging terrain. The breathtaking surroundings, though awe-inspiring, became a potential distraction—every second spent admiring the landscape was a second lost in the race. In this final stretch, it was clear: every maneuver counted.
The course itself was a true test of skill. While it offered opportunities to gain ground, it also presented fresh challenges that demanded perfect execution. Speed alone wouldn’t suffice—competitors had to balance sheer power with pinpoint accuracy. One mistake could send a team into the wrong direction, putting them at a disadvantage and potentially jeopardizing their place in the standings. The mental sharpness required was unmatched, as the desire to finish strong had to be tempered with the knowledge that one misstep could cost everything.
As the day unfolded, the atmosphere was electric, with teams pushing themselves and their vehicles to the absolute limit. This was where champions would be made, where the true off-road warriors would prove their worth. The final battle was as much about mental strength and resilience as it was about driving skill. Those who maintained composure, followed their strategy, and executed with precision would have the chance to stand at the top of the podium.
By the end of the day, the finish line marked more than just the end of the race—it was a testament to the determination, strategy, and teamwork that had carried each team through some of the toughest terrain in the world. The Rock Trophy 2025 had once again showcased the true spirit of off-road competition, where only the best emerged victorious.
Final Showdown: Action-Packed Leg 5 Closes The Rock Trophy 2025 in Style
Leg 5, the final special stage of the 2025 Rock Trophy, brought all competitors to the long-awaited finish line in Geoagiu for the Extrem and Challenger class and in Orastie for the Legend. Far from a dull parade to the podium, this last leg delivered one final dose of adrenaline, true to RBI Sport's tradition of keeping the excitement alive until the very end. Here are the top three finishers in each class of The Rock Trophy 2025.
Extreme Class: Estonian driver Hardo Mere, behind the wheel of his powerful HM7 Proto and expertly navigated by Marius Pop, claimed victory in Leg 5 with a time of 01:54:36.96. The British duo Samuel Webster and Henry Siebert secured second place, followed by Latvians Ints Freibergs and Ints Marcinkevics in third.
Challenger Class: No surprises in today's stage standings for the Challenger class. Romanian team Nicolae Burada and Traian Maracineanu led the way, completing the special stage in 02:07:46.63. Fellow countrymen Ionel Stan and Bogdan Pascu followed in second place, trailing by nearly three minutes. Benjamin Pierre and Pierre Romain of France rounded out the podium in third.
Legend Class: Few upsets in the Legend class as well. Latvians Vilnis Zitans, Aizups, and Kesus, driving their Toyota LC120, dominated Leg 5 with a time of 01:51:18.00. Close behind, just 52 seconds later, came Romanian Sorin Parvulescu and his Italian co-driver Maurilio Zani. Germans Peter Lippert and Joerg Karpa secured third place. Misfortune struck the British team of Per Bertelsen and Jesper Madsen, who were forced to withdraw shortly after the start due to a mechanical failure.
More Than a Race: The Spirit of The Rock Trophy in the Words of Alexander Kovatchev
"After six intense, demanding, spectacular, and adrenaline-filled days, I can confidently say that the 2025 edition of The Rock Trophy has exceeded all expectations. We witnessed not only fierce competition but also incredible teamwork, sportsmanship, and passion from every single participant.
The terrain of Romania once again proved to be the perfect stage for an authentic off-road challenge—raw, unpredictable, and breathtakingly beautiful. I am proud of what we’ve achieved together: competitors, staff, volunteers, and fans alike.
A heartfelt congratulations to all the winners, but also to everyone who reached the finish line—because here, just finishing is already a victory.
The Rock Trophy is more than just a race; it’s a community, a spirit, and a way of life. Thank you for being part of it.
See you in 2026—stronger, bolder, and ready for the next adventure!" – Alexander Kovatkec
The Champions of The Rock Trophy 2025: A Celebration of Skill, Determination, and Triumph
As the mud settles and the obstacles are overcome, The Rock Trophy 2025 has crowned its champions. From the rugged landscapes of Costești to the challenging terrains of Geoagiu Bai, competitors have faced the ultimate test of strength, skill, and strategy. The podium was claimed by those who demonstrated unparalleled mastery of both their vehicles and the unforgiving off-road environment. Here, we celebrate the top finishers across all classes—those who have proven themselves as the ultimate off-road warriors in this inaugural edition.
Final Standings: Champions Crowned After Six Intense Days at The Rock Trophy 2025
Extreme Class: After six grueling days of competition, dramatic twists, and an intense battle for the top spot, Estonian Hardo Mere, alongside his trusted Romanian co-driver Marius Pop, claimed a well-deserved victory in the Extreme class. Their total race time was 12:21:30.97. Second place went to the Polish duo Remigiusz Wutkowski and Piotr Kujawski, who trailed the leaders by 1 hour, 41 minutes, and 18 seconds. Rounding out the podium were Latvians Ints Freibergs and Ints Marcinkevics, delivering a solid performance throughout the rally.
Challenger Class: By the end of The Rock Trophy 2025, one thing was clear: Romania dominated the Challenger class, while France, despite being the most represented nation in this category, consistently played the role of strong but distant contenders, securing third place overall. Ionel Stan and Bogdan Pascu, piloting their powerful Nissan Patrol, took the top spot with a total time of 14:12:41.80. Just 29 minutes and 56 seconds behind, fellow Romanians Nicolae Burada and Traian Maracineanu, also driving a Nissan Patrol, clinched second place. The French team of Thomas Gallet and Charly Pochez secured third, proving once again to be a dependable presence on the podium.
Legend Class: In the always-inspiring Legend class, consistency and determination paid off. Romanian driver Sorin Parvulescu, navigated by Maurilio Zani of Italy, claimed victory behind the wheel of their Steyr-Daimler-Puch 230 GE, finishing with a total time of 14:21:52.85. Second place went to Latvians Vilnis Zitans and Aizups/Kesus, who completed the race 38 minutes and 11 seconds behind the leaders. In third, the German team of Peter Lippert and Joerg Karpa expertly navigated their distinctive Steyr-Daimler-Puch 712 FAL through the forests and mountains of Romania, delivering a performance as elegant as it was effective.
A Shared Journey: Honoring the Driving Forces Behind The Rock Trophy 2025
A heartfelt thank you goes to Ovidiu Vlad, Mayor of Geoagiu Băi, the local authorities; the Romanian Automobile Federation, and our trusted partner Euro4x4parts for their unwavering support throughout The Rock Trophy 2025.
Their commitment, collaboration, and enthusiasm played a key role in the success of this event, helping to bring our shared vision of off-road excellence to life.
We also extend our sincere gratitude to all the participants whose passion, perseverance, and true sportsmanship defined this unforgettable edition.
Together, we are building not only a race, but a growing community that is shaping the future of off-road motorsport in Romania and beyond.
Looking Ahead: More Exciting Challenges with RBI Sport
After the thrilling debut of The Rock Trophy 2025, RBI Sport is already preparing for the next big challenges in off-road racing. This includes the return of legendary events and new adventures across Europe and beyond.
- Baja Europe (May 1-4, 2025): The iconic Baja tradition returns with its second edition, featuring separate runs for bikes, quads, SSVs, cars, and trucks. Held in Zagan, Poland, this race offers a perfect opportunity for pre-season testing and preparation for major events like the FIA European Bajas.
Official website: www.baja-europe.com
- Rallye Breslau (June 22-27, 2025): The legendary Rallye Breslau returns for its 2025 edition, with a new marathon special stage along the historic Hannibal tank road. Expect intense competition and unforgettable views as the rally culminates on the Baltic Sea coast.
Official website: www.rallye-breslau.com
- Fenix Rally (October 29-November 6, 2025): Explore the mystic desert landscapes of southern Tunisia in this exciting rally, featuring seven stages through challenging dunes and tracks. Perfect for those training for the Dakar, it promises a true test of endurance in one of the world’s most beautiful desert terrains.
Official website: www.fenix-rally.com
Source: RBI / The Rocky Trophy
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