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Legends, Speed, and Grit: The 2025 Africa Eco Race Set to Redefine Rally Raid Glory

Arthur Ling by Arthur Ling
December 23, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Legends, Speed, and Grit: The 2025 Africa Eco Race Set to Redefine Rally Raid Glory

America’s Corbin Leaverton from Red Bull Off-Road Junior Team, which will participate in Rally Dakar 2025, performs in Morocco on September 28, 2024. // Kin Marcin / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202411280162 // Usage for editorial use only //

The 2025 Africa Eco Race promises to deliver a spectacular showcase of endurance, skill, and adventure as it brings together an eclectic mix of professionals, enthusiasts, and legends in one of the world’s most demanding rally raid competitions. Traversing the rugged terrains of Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal, and culminating at the iconic Lac Rose in Dakar, this year’s edition combines tradition with innovation, ensuring an unforgettable experience for participants and fans alike.

Event Highlights and Participant Breakdown

  • Distance: 5,903 km (3,668 miles), with 3,572 km dedicated to timed specials.
  • Participants: 155 competitors representing 21 nationalities.
  • Vehicles: 120 vehicles spread across Moto, Quad, Car, SSV, Truck, Raid, and Historic categories.

Standout Competitors and Categories

Auto Category

The Auto division is set to feature fierce competition with high-caliber teams and vehicles, including:

  • Tomas Ourednicek and Lukas Bartak (Team Toyota Gazoo Racing Czech).
  • Benoit Fretin and Cedric Duple (Century C6).
  • Varga Imre and Toma József (Toyota Hilux Overdrive).

In the Raid class, several teams will navigate the course with a focus on adventure rather than speed, fully embracing the event’s spirit.


Moto Category

The two-wheel division is the most contested with 78 riders, including 28 “malle moto” (unsupported) participants. Riders to watch:

  • Jacopo Cerutti (Italy): Defending champion on a Tuareg Aprilia.
  • Alessandro Botturi and Pol Tarres (Yamaha): Strong contenders for victory.
  • Pål Anders Ullevålseter (Norway): A returning two-time winner.

Notable debut:

  • Matteo Bottino (Italy): Riding the KOVE 800X Rally LS, fresh from his FIM European Rally Cup Championship win.

Historic Category

After its 2024 debut, this category has grown significantly, featuring vehicles from 1970 to 2007, such as:

  • Eric and Tom Clayes: Defending champions in their original 1978 Land Cruiser.
  • René Declercq and Kurt Dujardyn: Returning with their Bombardier Iltis.

Special Guests and Milestones

  • Stéphane Peterhansel, rally raid legend, will join as a guest in Mauritania, revisiting his storied career on Yamaha.
  • The Raid Category features 11 Moto riders navigating without competitive pressures, focusing purely on the journey to Lac Rose.

Jean-Louis Schlesser’s Vision

Jean-Louis Schlesser, the race director, emphasized the blend of challenging terrain and human camaraderie that defines the Africa Eco Race:

“We have over 150 passionate men and women ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure… The arrival at Lac Rose will celebrate an extraordinary human and sporting achievement.”


Event Itinerary

  • Dec. 27, 2024: Technical checks in Bordighera, Vallecrosia, and Camporosso, Italy.
  • Dec. 28, 2024: Departure ceremony in Monaco.
  • Jan. 12, 2025: Arrival at Lac Rose, Dakar, Senegal.

The 2025 Africa Eco Race encapsulates the thrill of motorsport while fostering a deep respect for the environment and local cultures. With a lineup of exceptional talent, innovative vehicles, and breathtaking landscapes, this rally raid remains a beacon of adventure and determination.

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