The iconic Renault 4L has yet to secure sponsorship for the upcoming 2027 edition of the renowned 4L Trophy. A significant redesign is anticipated in September, as the anticipation builds for this adventurous event. Arthur Perrazi and Louise Rouchon, two childhood friends, have embarked on an exhilarating journey, taking just four hours to drive from Lyon to Le Puy-en-Velay. Their mission is to participate in the next 4L Trophy scheduled for February 2027. Established in 1994, the 4L Trophy is Europe’s largest humanitarian rally, where young individuals aged 18 to 28 set off from France to Morocco in the beloved Renault 4L. The event intertwines sportsmanship with charity, aiming to deliver donations and school supplies to local communities. The duo from Puy-en-Velay will undertake this adventure under the team name: This is 4Life.
From Biarritz to Marrakech
Arthur and Louise, both students in Lyon, share a long history, having grown up together as their parents have been friends for years. "We were born together. We attended the same middle school and high school. We’ve never parted since childhood," the members of This is 4Life reminisce. It was only natural for Louise, a student in engineering school, to team up with Arthur for this adventure. "In January, friends mentioned this race to me, and it motivated me to participate! Eventually, we gathered our courage and signed up in early May," Louise recounts. A critical requirement to join this rally is owning a Renault 4L, and the two friends didn't search for long. "We browsed Leboncoin a bit, but friends who participated in the 2026 edition offered to sell us their car. We decided to buy it since it needed no repairs," they explain.
The trusty Renault has successfully passed its technical inspection. However, a little revitalization is in order, as it hasn’t been driven from February to July. The duo occasionally takes it for a spin, such as the trip from Lyon to Le Puy-en-Velay: "We’ve been told it can reach speeds of 130 km/h over certain distances, but we have to be careful because it doesn’t brake very well. We need to avoid taking risks," Arthur cautions.
The car’s appearance is yet to be revamped: "We haven't finalized the design or the stickers for sponsors. We’re thinking of painting it in red and sand colors!" the duo shares enthusiastically. The journey consists of several stages, with the official departure set for Biarritz on February 17. Before that, the friends must drive the 4L from Le Puy to the southwest of France. They will then head towards Algeciras, a Spanish city located on the Strait of Gibraltar, before crossing by ferry to Marrakeck, navigating through the Sahara Desert.
During this adventure, using a GPS is strictly prohibited, as participants must rely on maps and compasses. Furthermore, the return journey from Marrakech to Puy-en-Velay is flexible and at the crews’ expense, excluding the ferry. This return trip raises some concerns for Arthur and Louise: "There will inevitably be hiccups, and we hope they aren’t too severe. It’s true that a 4L isn’t very sturdy. We’ll be on our own for that return trip.”
Preparing for the Adventure Ahead
To participate in the event, the This is 4Life team also needs to secure partners. The duo has been working on a proposal to attract financial and humanitarian support. So far, they have managed to find a few sponsors. For their charitable contributions, they have already gathered hygiene products, care items, and sports equipment. "Being a medical student, I am particularly attached to the humanitarian aspect of the race. This cause resonates with me deeply," Arthur confides.
With just six months left before their departure to the Basque Country, excitement and anticipation continue to build for the two friends. "There’s a mix of pressure and excitement. We can’t wait because it’s going to be fantastic; we are going to create unforgettable memories!" The countdown begins, with a rendezvous in Biarritz set for February 17, 2027.
As reported by leveil.fr.
