Sherco TVS Rally Factory team fields KP Aravind, Abdul Wahid for Afriquia Merzouga Rally
Casablanca (Morocco), 25 March 2019: Aravind KP, fresh from his Dakar exploits, will be taking part in the 10th edition 10 of the Afriquia Merzouga Rally along with another Indian Abdul Wahid for the Sherco TVS Rally Factory team. The other Indian outfit Hero Motosports Team Rally entered Spaniard field Oriole Mena and Joaquim Rodrigues of Portugal.
You can read the exploits of Aravind KP in the TVS blog here.
The event was presented at a press conference in Casablanca, Morocco on March 21. This provided an opportunity to arouse envy among the competitors, before setting off on a very discerning race in the heart of the dunes of Merzouga.
The Afriquia Merzouga Rally is increasingly becoming a must-do event for rally-raid die-hards. Held from 31 March to 5 April, the race – under the high patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI for the third time – offers a precious experience for all those who dream of toughening up for a future participation in the Dakar. Tagged with the “Dakar Series” label, the Moroccan rally allows for being selected for the marquee event while the winner will get a free entry.
It promises to be a very competitive rally, especially as for this 10th edition, the five stages will take place in the region’s most iconic areas, which is ideal for perfecting a competitor’s knowledge of the dunes and navigation ability. For the competitors, the rally is also an opportunity to enjoy their passion in a grandiose setting and friendly atmosphere, in the purest Moroccan tradition.
This year again, the Afriquia Merzouga Rally will ensure that the environmental impact is almost zero, as noted last year in an impact study. The organisers have been sensitive to this aspect for the past several years through concrete actions such as oil recovery – in partnership with Afriquia – and the dematerialization of official documents. In addition, several social actions are carried out for several weeks with the local population.
Edo Mossi (Afriquia Merzouga Rally Sporting Director): “This is the 10th year of the rally and the 4th under the aegis of A.S.O. with the Dakar Series label. All rally organisers know how hard it is to offer rally-routes that remain so challenging every year. We decided to return to the stages that had stood out in the past, all the sectors that had stirred so many emotions. This is a “Best Of” edition, of what we do best in the region. The rally-route promises to be exciting and will certainly enhance the attractiveness of the competition. ”
David Castera (Dakar Director): “The Afriquia Merzouga Rally is one of the best preparations for all competitors who dream of participating on the Dakar. The five stages of this 10th edition offer an ideal opportunity to improve racing skills and also improve navigation skills. Participants who take up the challenge will inevitably catch the rally-raid bug. We wish them good luck and hope to see them soon on the Dakar!”
