The Fenix Rally 2024 once again proved to be an unmissable adventure for off-road enthusiasts, blending intense competition with the unpredictable forces of nature. From April 9 to 17, Tunisia’s vast desert landscapes became the stage for this high-adrenaline event, where competitors from across Europe and beyond tested their skills against challenging terrain, formidable dunes, and even extreme weather conditions.
With a demanding 2,100-kilometer route, including 1,625 kilometers of special stages, this year’s edition was packed with action, strategy, and resilience. The rally’s well-known slogan, “Open the Doorway to Sahara,” perfectly captured the essence of the journey—one that pushed both man and machine to their limits. From the scenic start in Djerba to the grueling marathon stages in the heart of the Sahara, every moment was a testament to endurance and determination.
Despite the excitement, Mother Nature had her own plans. Severe storms disrupted the race, forcing organizers to adapt swiftly and ensuring the safety of all participants. However, even these unexpected challenges couldn’t overshadow the incredible performances on display. Italian triumphs, intense rivalries, and spectacular victories defined the 2024 edition, solidifying the Fenix Rally’s reputation as one of the most exhilarating desert rallies in the world.
Read on for a full recap of the action, the challenges, and the champions who conquered the dunes of Tunisia at the Fenix Rally 2024; an adrenaline-fueled adventure in the tunisian desert.
Fenix Rally 2024: A Thrilling Desert Challenge Like No Other
From April 9 to 17, the fourth edition of the Fenix Rally took place in Tunisia. This thrilling event was filled with excitement, both in terms of sports and unforeseen challenges caused by Mother Nature, which were masterfully managed by the event organizers. Italy was well represented, particularly in the Truck category, where Paolo Calabria, Loris Calubini, and Giuseppe Fortuna dominated every stage and secured a well-deserved victory.
“Open the Doorway to Sahara”
The fourth edition of the Fenix Rally, under the familiar slogan “Open the doorway to Sahara,” attracted participants from across Europe and Tunisia. The race covered a total distance of over 2,100 kilometers, with approximately 1,625 kilometers of special stages.
The starting ceremony and prologue took place on the beautiful island of Djerba before the rally caravan moved to Douz. After an intense day of racing in the Douz region, participants faced a grueling marathon stage, leading them to a bivouac in the heart of the Sahara without assistance. However, due to an unexpected and severe storm, the second marathon stage was canceled, forcing a mass return to Douz. After a scheduled rest day, the rally resumed with a special stage leading to the picturesque oasis of Ksar Ghilane. The competition remained in Ksar Ghilane for two days, featuring a demanding dune stage. The penultimate stage served as a transition back to Djerba, where the grand finale, the final special stage, and the award ceremony took place.
When Mother Nature Changes the Plan: Severe Storms Disrupt the Marathon Stage
Anticipating strong winds and, more unusually for the desert, heavy rains, the mastermind behind the Fenix Rally, Alexander Kovatchev, had no choice but to make significant changes to the marathon stage. Competitors tackled over 190 kilometers to reach the heart of the desert, battling sand, dunes, and complex navigation to arrive at the bivouac. However, during the night and into the following morning, powerful winds and torrential rains struck the area, making conditions hazardous. This forced the organization to implement an emergency evacuation plan, ensuring the safe return of all participants to Douz.
The Champions of Fenix Rally 2024
The Fenix Rally 2024 is now in the history books. After eight intense days, the desert race concluded with a final stage near the stunning location of Djerba, featuring a 136-kilometer special stage. After a week of surprises, including challenges from nature itself, new kings of the desert were crowned.
Car Open Class: French duo Jerome Pelichet and Pascal Larroque dominated every single stage with their Optimus 2WD, securing a repeat victory after their first triumph in 2021. Austria’s Alexander Oberlechner and Swiss co-driver Peter Brunner took second place in their Land Rover, while Breslau Rally veterans Jork Neese and Torsten Mueller finished third.
Car Limited Class: Germany’s Olaf Seip and Matthias Stock clinched victory in the unmodified vehicle category, skillfully driving their Land Rover to the finish line. Romanian team Marian Andreev and Valentin Capota secured second place in a Dacia, while Tunisia’s Abdennour Benabdennour and Abdel Waheb Dakhalaoui took third in a Mitsubishi.
Truck Class: The title was secured early by the Italian trio Paolo Calabria, Loris Calubini, and Giuseppe Fortuna. Making their debut in an international competition with their newly completed MAN truck, the Italian team dominated the entire rally, showcasing both their skills and the reliability and outstanding performance of their vehicle. Second place went to Germany’s Klaas Steinhoefel, Jochen Ullman, and Ralf Schwark, while their fellow countrymen Mathias Koerber, Max Jackermeier, and Sebastian Roedel finished third. With another unforgettable edition in the books, the Fenix Rally once again proved itself as one of the most exhilarating desert rallies in the world. Adventure, competition, and the untamed forces of nature made the 2024 event an unforgettable experience for all involved.
Fenix Rally 2025: New Stages In The Mystic South of Tunisia
The fifth edition of the Fenix Rally in Tunisia promises an impressive journey, combining the adrenaline of a competition with the breathtaking beauty of the unique landscapes of North Africa.
When: 29.10 – 06.11.2025
Where: Tunisia
Cateogries: Cross Country, Discovery
Classes: Enduro, ATV, Cars and Trucks
Description: Prologue, 7 rally legs and rest day
In collaboration with the local authorities, we are working on a route that highlights the incredible diversity of Tunisia and shows the magical dunes in the southern part of the country, where legendary rallies such as Optic 2000, Rallye de Tunisie and the Dakar have left their mark.
The rally will start with a prologue, followed by seven adventurous stages that will take you through challenging desert terrain, sand, dunes and gravel tracks. The dedicated rest day in the middle of the week will give competitors more time to catch their breath from the race and enjoy the weather by socialising.
Get ready to conquer the desert at the end of October/beginning of November. These new dates will give us warm and stable weather conditions without wind. Another good reason to move the Fenix towards the end of the year is the better balance in the whole event calendar, leaving more time between the long events Breslau and Fenix. Last but not least, when the weather in Europe has become cold and rainy, everybody starts dreaming of a south escape to warm bodies and senses. There isn’t a better one than to walk bare feet on the warm Sahara sand after a great special stage in the dunes.
The Fenix Rally is suitable for any team looking to compete in one of the following categories: Motorcycle/Enduro, ATV/Quad, Side-by-Side, Car or Truck in the most beautiful terrain Sahara has to offer. This rally is designed for adventurers looking for the perfect mix of excitement and endurance. The event is also ideal for those preparing for the Dakar, offering a unique opportunity to train on similar terrain and test their mettle against the elements.
The Fenix Rally is set to captivate with its new routes and unexplored territories. Imagine racing through vast deserts, navigating majestic dunes and experiencing the wild beauty of southern Tunisia. Our commitment to creating an unforgettable experience extends beyond the tracks. The Fenix Rally will offer enhanced support services, ensuring all participants have the resources they need for a successful race.
