Matthias Walkner Embarks on New Journey with South Racing
Renowned rally driver Matthias Walkner is set to make his debut with the South Racing team at the fourth round of the Rally Raid World Championship in Morocco. The seasoned competitor will be navigating the challenging terrain alongside his new co-pilot, Oriol Mena, a Spanish driver with a wealth of experience. This collaboration marks a significant shift for Walkner, who is eager to build on his recent successes and face new challenges in the rallying circuit.
This rally in Morocco represents Walkner's third participation in a motorsport event on four wheels. Previously, he achieved a remarkable victory in the Challenger category at the Desafio Ruta in Argentina, where he drove the Taurus T3 Max Buggy in collaboration with Pablo Moreno. However, his earlier outing in Portugal at the European Championship was hampered by technical difficulties, a setback he hopes to overcome in Morocco.
In this upcoming event, Walkner will compete in the T4-SSV class, piloting a Can-Am Maverick, with Oriol Mena navigating by his side. This partnership is particularly promising, as Walkner and Mena share a history from their motorcycle racing days. Mena notably finished seventh in the motorcycle category during the Dakar Rally in 2018, where Walkner clinched the title. After transitioning to co-pilot duties in 2022, Mena secured a victory in the T4 class at the 2023 Dakar Rally, showcasing his capability and readiness for this new venture.
Walkner expressed optimism about their recent testing sessions, stating, "The initial tests have gone very positively," highlighting the synergy between him and Mena. As they prepare for the grueling Rally Morocco, which spans a total distance of 2,524 kilometers, with 1,575 kilometers set for five timed stages, the duo is focused on achieving a strong performance starting from the first stage that kicks off in Agadir, leading to Zagora.
This rally not only tests the drivers' skills but also their resilience as they navigate through the diverse Moroccan landscape, which includes challenging sand and rocky terrains. The competition is scheduled to continue until October 3, promising an exciting and demanding experience for all participants.
As reported by speedweek.com.
