Prologue archived: Nathan Blache (Kove) sets the pace. Strong debuts for Sabba Team (Can-Am X3) and Team Amnezia (Toyota HDJ100).
Erfoud, Morocco (May 24, 2026). The Moroccan desert is once again the centerpiece of international rally-raid racing with the official start of the FenekRally Spring Edition 2026, ushering in a new era for the motorsport event. For the first time in its history, the event doubles its calendar: the Spring Edition (running from May 22 to 31) will be followed by the traditional FenekRally Original, scheduled for September 11 to 20.
Further cementing the event’s growth is the prestigious official recognition from the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Motocyclisme and the Fédération Royale Marocaine des Sports Automobiles, an endorsement that certifies the excellent organizational standards and safety protocols achieved by the competition.
With ideal weather conditions and breathtaking scenery, Morocco welcomed drivers and teams into the perfect setting for authentic off-road racing. The rally’s headquarters are based at the charming Hotel Chergui near Erfoud, right at the gateway to the desert and about 60 kilometres from the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Scrutineering and a spectacular prologue: 37 km of speed and navigation
The event officially opened with the customary rigorous technical and administrative scrutineering, with all vehicles clearing checks before hitting the track for the first timed challenge. With the preliminary controls archived, the opening day of racing covered a total route of 37 kilometers, featuring a 32 km special stage entirely on dirt tracks. It was a fast yet technical stage, characterized by tricky waypoints and final driving sections off-road—a first taste of the challenges awaiting competitors over the coming days.
Frenchman Nathan Blache, riding the Kove 450 Rally (#102) for the N2 Racing team, clocked the fastest absolute time (29’02”) in the Moto Rally MT1 category. The rider set a blistering pace right from the start, showing an immediate feeling with both the track and his bike. “It was a very fast and fun special stage to drive. There were some tricky spots in the high-speed sections where staying focused was crucial, but the bike performed flawlessly and the scenery was incredible. This debut gives me great confidence. Now we reset, analyze the roadbook and fully prepare for tomorrow’s first real stage.”
It was an impressive debut in the SSV T4 category for the crew of Nicolas Tavera and Julien Sabatier, driving the Can-Am X3 (#406) under the Sabba Team colors. In their very first international rally-raid experience, the duo managed the race with maturity, delivering a clean, error-free performance.“Ever since we arrived in Morocco, we’ve found an incredible atmosphere and perfect organization. The prologue, with its fast tracks and complex navigation, was extremely useful for getting a feel for the terrain. We are satisfied, the vehicle is perfect -explains Tavera- Tomorrow, however, we shift gears: over 200 kilometres of special stage await us and that’s when the real racing begins”.
A positive debut was also recorded by Team Amnezia in the Overland category aboard a Toyota HDJ100 (#602). The international crew -comprising Russian drivers Stanislav Shakirov and Denis Skibin alongside Portuguese driver Augusto Cesar– perfectly embodies the purest spirit of the FenekRally. The team drove to the Moroccan desert directly from Portugal, turning their transit into a grand opening adventure: “This prologue was the ideal warm-up. We are an international team, we speak different languages, and this is our first time in a rally, so every single kilometre is precious for learning how to read the desert’s traps. We are thrilled with our performance and the great vibe in the bivouac”.
The first real challenge: the competition heats up
With the prologue behind them, the race enters its crucial phase tomorrow, May 25, with the first stage in the desert: 278 total kilometres, including a 202 km special stage. Fast tracks, tight navigation, and the first dune fields will put drivers and machinery to the ultimate test. The engines are roaring, and the challenge has just begun.
