Rallye du Maroc 2019: Isidre Esteve will compete in the 2019 Rallye du Maroc with one eye on the Dakar

For the Repsol Rally Team, the test will mean the signal to prepare for the Dakar 2020 in Saudi Arabia, and the possibility of getting familiar with the new roadbook system.

The Repsol Rally Team will debut the 2020 project at the Rallye du Maroc, counting towards the World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies, to be held from October 4 to 9. The test will represent a magnificent test for Isidre Esteve and his co-driver Txema Villalobos in getting ready for the next Dakar due to the similarity of the Moroccan terrain with that of Saudi Arabia, and the debuting of the updated roadbook that will be included in the event in Dakar.
The driver from Lerida will drive his BV6 Sodicars Racing prototype in the T1.2 category (4X4 modified all-terrain diesel vehicles) with adapted controls integrated onto the steering wheel by Guidosimplex, which he will compete in at his fourth consecutive Dakar. For this occasion, Isidre Esteve will once again have the energy company Repsol as his main sponsor and the support of MGS Insurance and

"Morocco will be a great test for us, because it will allow us to fine-tune the vehicle on terrain with very similar characteristics to those we will find in Saudi Arabia, so they say. In addition, we will meet many teams and drivers who will be in the Dakar 2020 and we can gage our level compared to theirs," explains an excited Isidre Esteve.

Another big attraction of the Rallye du Maroc will be the premiere of the new roadbook system that has never before been used in the Dakar. “In the next edition of the Dakar, the organization will hand out the road book to the participants each day, shortly before starting the stage, with the most important indications already highlighted. This reduces the possible time frame for receiving any external information and, if it works, it will be fairer for everyone. This important regulatory change will be debuted in Morocco and is an excellent opportunity to see how it goes,” says the Repsol Rally Team driver.
The event in Morocco will be held from October 4 to 9 in the surrounding areas of Fes and Erfoud. Participants must complete about 2500 kilometres spread over five long and demanding stages. Last year, Isidre Esteve put in his best performance at a World Championship since competing in cars, by finishing 9th overall, 2nd in the T1.2 category, and as the best Spanish driver in a car.

Souce Box Repsol