Matthias Walkner Reports from Agadir, Morocco
Matthias Walkner arrives in Morocco with significant momentum after clinching his first class victory on four wheels at his last World Championship event in Argentina, where he triumphed by a narrow margin of just 29 seconds. Rather than resting on his laurels, Walkner is diving headfirst into his 'Mission 2TO4', eager to build on his recent success and embrace new challenges. This will be Walkner's third World Championship race on four wheels, and he is set to test a completely different setup this time around. He will be competing in the SSV class for the first time, driving a Can-Am Maverick R for South Racing Can-Am, and he has a new co-pilot alongside him, Oriol Mena.
Walkner is embracing the feeling of being a rookie once again, stating, “It’s a new vehicle, a new team, and a new co-pilot.” This fresh start brings with it a sense of excitement and anticipation as he prepares to tackle the Rally du Maroc.
Why Choose Oriol Mena as Co-Pilot?
Walkner and Mena share more than just the cockpit; they both come from a motorcycle racing background. Mena made a remarkable debut at the Dakar in 2018, finishing seventh and earning the title of best rookie while Walkner secured victory in the event. Transitioning to the co-pilot seat, Mena won the Dakar in the T4 class in 2023. Walkner believes Mena has everything it takes to succeed in this new adventure together, expressing optimism after their initial joint outings, which he describes as “very positive.”
As they gear up for the Rally du Maroc, Walkner emphasizes that the objective extends beyond just the stopwatch; it is a vital step in preparation for the Dakar Rally. “I want to experiment as much as possible before the Dakar,” he explains, noting that Morocco holds a special place in his heart as he previously won here on a motorcycle in 2017, just months before his monumental victory at the Dakar in 2018. He fondly recalls the landscapes of Morocco, stating, “They are really cool.”
The Rally du Maroc kicks off today, following a shakedown in Agadir on Monday. The event consists of five stages covering a total of 2,524 kilometers, with 1,575 kilometers against the clock. This rally marks the fourth (of five) rounds of the Rally-Raid World Championship and serves as a crucial final test before the Dakar Rally scheduled for January 1 to January 15, 2027, in Saudi Arabia. The opening stage resembles the Dakar format, spanning 636 kilometers from Agadir on the Atlantic coast to Zagora on the edge of the Sahara, including 268 kilometers of timed segments. Zagora will serve as the base camp for the following four days of racing in the desert.
In terms of statistics, over 40% of the special stages will take place on sand and dunes, with only 11% on the notorious Moroccan rocky tracks. According to rally director Marc Coma, Wednesday is expected to be the toughest day, while Thursday is anticipated to be the fastest stage. The longest timed section will occur on Friday, covering 384 kilometers, and Saturday will conclude with a 259-kilometer timed stage featuring a promised surprise. A total of 245 vehicles and motorcycles are registered for the 27th Rally du Maroc, and Walkner is positioned in the SSV class alongside his new co-pilot, Oriol Mena. The competition is tight at the top as Sébastien Loeb leads the Ultimate Championship by a mere three points over seven-time Morocco winner Nasser Al-Attiyah, while Red Bull KTM’s Daniel Sanders arrives in Morocco as the motorcycle championship leader.
As reported by redbull.com.
