Record-Breaking Entry for the Upcoming Rally
The highly anticipated 2026 Ola Energy Rally of Morocco, scheduled to take place from September 28 to October 3, is set to make headlines with an impressive lineup of 104 FIA cars and eight trucks. This event not only serves as a thrilling competition but also acts as a vital testing ground for many teams aiming for the prestigious 2027 Dakar Rally. The rally promises to be an exhilarating showcase of skill and endurance, attracting competitors across various categories.
This season, the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) has already seen action in Saudi Arabia, Portugal, and Argentina, leading up to this exciting event in North Africa. The Moroccan rally is a pivotal round in the championship calendar, occurring just before the grand finale at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in late November. As teams prepare to tackle the challenging terrains, the competition is expected to be fierce, with several drivers and teams vying for top positions in the championship standings.
Key Competitors and Championship Standings
Heading into this penultimate round, French driver Sébastien Loeb and his navigator Edouard Boulanger are on a mission to protect their narrow three-point lead over teammates Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah and Fabian Lurquin in the W2RC Drivers’ and Navigators’ Championships. Al-Attiyah’s recent victory at the Dakar Rally, coupled with Loeb's maximum points haul in Portugal, has positioned the Dacia Sandriders team with a commanding 65-point advantage over the Toyota Gazoo Racing team. The competition remains tight, with Toyota’s Seth Quintero and Andrew Short hot on their heels, trailing Loeb by only 13 points as they prepare for the Moroccan desert challenge.
In the Ultimate category, 32 of the 56 entrants are registered for the W2RC, and the competition promises to be intense. Veteran competitors such as Carlos Sainz and Dani Oliveras will join forces alongside Joan 'Nani' Roma in a Ford Racing entry, while other notable participants include Romain Dumas and the Polish father-son duo Marek and Eryk Goczal, among others. The entries also feature a diverse array of vehicles, including the X-Raid Mini JCW and various Can-Am models, showcasing the extensive participation and varied competition within the rally.
As the rally unfolds, teams will navigate through a challenging route that spans approximately 2,524 kilometers, including five selective sections totaling around 1,575 kilometers. The event will kick off in Agadir and conclude in Zagora, with teams facing the demanding terrain of sandy and rocky desert trails. With such a high level of competition and a multitude of skilled drivers, the 2026 Ola Energy Rally of Morocco is poised to be a thrilling spectacle for motorsport enthusiasts.
As reported by fia.com.
