From October 5 to 14, the Race of the Dunes took place in Tunisia. FENEK RALLY is a rally open to all types of vehicles, with more than 50% of the route running over the sandy dunes of the Jbil National Park area (near Douz).
The race consists of 5 stages with a mix of terrains that are a real challenge for participants: dunes, tracks, hard trails, sand rivers, rocky sections, off-road stretches, dry lakes (chotts), hamadas, liaison sections, and even river crossings.
This year, in addition to Spanish competitors, there was a French team, an Italian team, several Tunisian teams, one from Libya, and another from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The General Director of FENEK RALLY, Lluís Rosa, commented: “This year we have made great progress in the internationalization of the rally, and many teams that joined us for the first time have already said they will return next year and bring more participants from their countries.”
As a new feature, this year’s FENEK RALLY included two FIA-category vehicles that came to compete and test their setups ahead of future FIA competitions. They added a great atmosphere with their mechanics and positive energy. The Tunisian teams also brought mechanics, as well as fans who followed every start, section, and finish, cheering for their teams and creating a warm and supportive environment for everyone involved.
Participation of Side-by-Side Vehicles
The presence of several SSVs (Side-by-Side vehicles) added great excitement to this edition, moving nimbly, kicking up plenty of sand (or dust), performing spectacular jumps, and gliding effortlessly through Tunisia’s tricky dunes. The FENEK RALLY team is convinced that more and more of these vehicles will take part in future rallies.
Coming Soon: The “Maroc Edition”
Another edition of FENEK RALLY will soon take place in Morocco (from November 30 to December 8), with many teams already registered. Some participants from the “Tunisie Edition” have also confirmed their participation in the “Maroc Edition”. The format of both editions is similar, but the routes and logistics differ: in Tunisia, it is a linear route (changing accommodation daily), while in Morocco it follows a “daisy” format, with a centralized base and stages arranged around it like petals. This greatly simplifies logistics and benefits mechanics, sponsors, and fans.
FENEK RALLY has held six editions in Tunisia under this name, and the organizing team has extensive experience in rally management and the unique characteristics of African countries. “For us, Tunisia and Morocco are like our second home,” says Lluís Rosa, who is also an expert navigator with vast experience in dune areas, capable of reaching any location and rescuing lost teams quickly and efficiently.
Finally, Lluís Rosa adds: “We are truly excited, as we’ve been inspired by the enthusiasm of the competitors in this latest edition in Tunisia. They had a fantastic time, but they had to work hard to arrive on time and mark all the roadbook boxes. It’s also worth highlighting the great atmosphere in the camp and pit area, as teams often help each other, sharing parts, spares, and know-how. All these elements together make reaching the finish line a deeply satisfying experience.”
