Exciting Rallye du Maroc Awaits Competitors
Scheduled to take place from September 28th to October 3rd, the Rallye du Maroc promises an exhilarating experience for participants as it spans a total distance of 2,637 kilometers, including a prologue and five challenging stages, with 1,530 kilometers of competitive racing. The event will kick off in the picturesque coastal city of Agadir, before the route meanders inland toward Zagora. This location will serve as the epicenter of the rally, where the bivouac will be established for much of the week, providing riders with a strategic base amidst the vast Sahara landscape.
As they navigate through the magnificent backdrop of the Sahara, the three Rally GP riders from Monster Energy Honda HRC will encounter a newly designed route that intersperses the rugged terrain of the Atlas Mountains with rapid stretches, intricate navigation challenges, and the deep sands and dunes that are synonymous with Moroccan racing. This event not only presents a formidable test of skill and endurance but also offers invaluable experience that is critical for preparation for the upcoming 2027 Dakar Rally.
Riders Poised for Competition
Ricky Brabec views the Rallye du Maroc as an invaluable opportunity to secure a victory that has eluded him time and again in his career. The American rider has finished third in this event on four occasions, the last being in 2025, and he is determined to make his final appearance in Morocco on two wheels a memorable one by aiming for the top spot on the podium. Following a strong performance where he claimed the runner-up position at this year's Dakar Rally and a third-place finish at the Desafío Ruta 40, Brabec has arrived in Morocco sitting fourth in the World Rally-Raid Championship standings, trailing the leader Daniel Sanders by just 13 points. With crucial championship points up for grabs, a solid performance is essential for his title aspirations.
Meanwhile, Tosha Schareina enters the rally firmly in contention for the championship, positioned just three points behind Sanders and returning as the defending champion of the Rallye du Maroc. Demonstrating remarkable consistency throughout the 2026 season, Schareina finished third at the Dakar Rally and achieved consecutive runner-up placements at both Rally-Raid Portugal and the Desafío Ruta 40. As he looks for his first victory of the season, Morocco presents yet another chance for him to convert his solid performances into a win, further bolstering his championship challenge.
Completing the Monster Energy Honda HRC lineup is Adrien Van Beveren, who aims to secure his inaugural podium finish at the Rallye du Maroc. The French rider's best result to date at this event has been a fourth-place finish, which serves as motivation as he embarks on this year's rally. Van Beveren's top performance of the 2026 season thus far was a third-place finish at Rally-Raid Portugal, and currently ranked fifth in the W2RC standings, he is eager to accumulate valuable championship points while showcasing his capabilities across the demanding Moroccan landscapes.
As preparations conclude, the Monster Energy Honda HRC team has successfully completed its shakedown earlier this week in Agadir, alongside thorough administrative checks and scrutineering of the Honda CRF450 RALLY machines. The competitive action will commence with an 18-kilometer prologue tomorrow, followed by five rigorous days of racing throughout Morocco. With significant championship points at stake and some of the toughest terrains in rally-raid ahead, the Monster Energy Honda HRC team stands ready to tackle the challenges that lie before them.
As reported by honda.racing.
