The second day of the 2025 Africa Eco Race unfolded with thrilling action, as competitors tackled a demanding stage from Tarda to Tagounite. Spanning 358 km, including 319 km of selective sector, the stage showcased the rugged beauty of Southern Morocco with a mix of rocky paths, sandy stretches, and the first dunes of the rally.
Car Category: Benoit Fretin Dominates
Benoit Fretin stole the show in the car category, piloting his Century CR6 to the fastest time of the day and taking the overall lead. Reflecting on the stage, Fretin said:
“It was very fast at the start, allowing us to hit the limiter at 168 km/h, which is the imposed limit. The dunes reminded us we hadn’t lost our touch, though a small navigation error cost us 5 minutes. The final section was rough, likely due to last autumn’s bad weather.”
Vincent Vroninks secured second place, while Pierre Lafay, the winner of Day 1, slipped to third after losing ten minutes to a puncture and jack difficulties. The podium standings mirror the overall leaderboard, setting the stage for an intense battle in the days ahead.
Truck Category: Dutch Drivers in a Tight Race
In the truck category, Gerrit Zuurmond powered his MAN to victory, finishing five minutes ahead of fellow Dutchman William de Van Groningen in an Iveco. The overall standings are just as tight, with Zuurmond holding a slim one-minute lead over de Van Groningen. With the competition heating up, this heavyweight battle promises more excitement in the coming stages.
Historic Category: Eric and Tom Clayes Lead the Pack
The historic category provided its share of drama, with participants covering 180 km of regularity zones. Eric and Tom Clayes emerged as the standout performers, outpacing the teams of Kurt Dujardin / René Declerq and Fabrice / Magali Morin. Eric Clayes praised the day’s route:
“The landscapes were incredibly varied, with vast open stretches and plenty of space for our machines to shine. The final ZR felt like a WRC stage—fast and exhilarating.”
Looking Ahead
The second stage of the 2025 Africa Eco Race delivered excitement, from breathtaking performances to navigation challenges. With tight margins across categories, the competition is bound to intensify as the rally progresses through Morocco’s unforgiving terrain. Tune in tomorrow for another day of high-octane action and adventure!
