Matthias Walkner Sets Off to Morocco with New Challenges
Matthias Walkner arrives in Morocco with considerable momentum. Following his recent victory at the World Championship event in Argentina, where he clinched his first class win in a four-wheeled vehicle by a narrow margin of just 29 seconds, the Dakar champion is eager to continue his success. Rather than resting on his laurels, Walkner's adventure, dubbed Mission 2TO4, is gaining traction as he prepares for his third World Championship race on four wheels, this time in the rugged terrains of Morocco.
This race marks a significant shift for Walkner as he tests an entirely new setup. For the first time, he will be competing in the SSV class, piloting a Can-Am Maverick R for South Racing Can-Am, and he will be accompanied by a new co-pilot, Oriol Mena. Walkner expresses his excitement, saying, "I feel like a rookie. It's a new vehicle, a new team, and a new co-pilot." Mena, who has a background in motorcycle sports himself, shares a deep connection with Walkner. Notably, he finished seventh and was named the best rookie during his debut at the Dakar in 2018, the same year Walkner won the event. With Mena now in the co-pilot seat after a successful stint that included a victory in the T4 class of the Dakar in 2023, Walkner feels optimistic about their collaboration, stating, "The initial tests have gone very positively."
The Rally du Maroc: A Crucial Step Towards Dakar
The Rally du Maroc kicks off today after a shakedown on Monday in Agadir. Participants will tackle five stages covering a total distance of 2,524 kilometers, including 1,575 kilometers against the clock. This event is the fourth of five in the Rally-Raid World Championship and is recognized as the most critical preparatory test before the Dakar Rally, which will take place from January 1 to 15, 2027, in Saudi Arabia.
The first stage promises to be intense, featuring a 636-kilometer stretch that begins in Agadir on the Atlantic coast and concludes in Zagora at the edge of the Sahara, with 268 kilometers of that distance being timed. Zagora will serve as the base camp for the following four days in the desert, providing a stunning backdrop for the challenging race.
Key statistics regarding the Rally du Maroc include over 40% of the special stages taking place on sand and dunes, with only 11% on the notorious Moroccan rocky tracks. Rally Director Marc Coma has described Wednesday as the toughest day, while Thursday is expected to be the fastest stage. Notably, Friday will feature the longest special stage at 384 kilometers, and Saturday will conclude with a timed section of 259 kilometers and an anticipated surprise.
A total of 245 vehicles and motorcycles are registered for the 27th Rally du Maroc, with Walkner competing alongside his new co-pilot Mena in the SSV class. The competition at the top is fierce; Sébastien Loeb is currently leading the Ultimate World Championship, just three points ahead of seven-time Morocco winner Nasser Al-Attiyah. In the motorcycle category, Red Bull KTM's Daniel Sanders arrives in Morocco as the championship leader.
As reported by redbull.com.
