Moroccan driver Ali Oubassidi has dominated the Rallye du Maroc, a key preparatory event for the Dakar Rally, fueling his ambition to make his debut in the world’s most grueling cross-country rally in 2026. His commanding performance in the SSV category has earned him widespread attention and set the stage for a potential breakthrough in the world of rally raid.
Browsing: Cross-Country Rallying
Moroccan driver Souad Mouktadiri is set to make her highly anticipated Dakar Rally debut in 2025, becoming the first Moroccan competitor in the SSV category. Mouktadiri’s journey to the Dakar has been paved by her extensive experience in various cross-country rallies, particularly those held in her home country.
Stéphane Peterhansel continued his impressive run at the Dakar Rally, winning Stage 10 in commanding fashion. However, Sébastien Loeb closed the gap in the overall standings, setting up an intriguing finale to the legendary off-road event.
In a surprising turn of events, German manufacturer Audi has been slapped with a hefty €750,000 fine for abruptly shutting down its cross-country rally program after just one season. The decision, which was deemed to be ‘harming the image’ of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, serves as a cautionary tale for manufacturers in the high-stakes world of Dakar Rally and cross-country racing.