Just a few days before the start of the Merzouga 1000, Philippe Rey explains how this rally-raid, taking place in Morocco, unfolds.
Merzouga 1000 – second edition
This is the second edition of the Merzouga 1000. Last year, we launched a second competition in Morocco after the Rallye des Pionniers. Some competitors had requested a shorter race format than the Rallye Pionniers Classic, with fewer logistical movements on site.
Some teams and drivers also wanted to prepare for major end-of-year events such as the Pionniers Classic, the Dakar Classic, or the Africa Eco Race Classic, test a new vehicle, or make adjustments. Even with its compact format, the Merzouga 1000 is a concentrated version of everything one might encounter in a rally-raid.
A Rally for classic vehicles
The Merzouga 1000 is specifically designed for classic vehicles. We have different categories:
- PIONNIER: Vehicles from 01.01.1978 to 12.31.1989
- CLASSIC: Vehicles from 01.01.1990 to 12.31.1999
- OPEN YOUNGTIMER: Vehicles from 01.01.2000 to 12.31.2010
- DESERT 1: Vehicles prior to 2010
The rally is based on our 4C Cross Country Chrono Classic regulations. This means it is a timed race, not a VHRS (Sporting Regularity Historic Vehicle) event.
Growing enthusiasm and international reach
I was surprised by the enthusiasm and momentum around our two Cross Country Chrono Classic events dedicated to historic vehicles. Many French drivers, as well as international competitors, have reached out to learn more. I know that many vehicles are currently being restored or prepared in different European workshops.
Whether it’s the Merzouga 1000 or the Pionniers Classic, our goal is to internationalize our races and offer the best conditions to race the most beautiful cars that made us dream in the golden era of rallying.
We are bringing back the DNA of what made historical rallying so exciting and aim to revive it.
Route and logistics
The rally will begin with the first of five stages in Foum Zguid, then head to M’Hamid with two special stages, before reaching Merzouga for two final stages.
The total distance covered is 1,250 km of roadbook, carefully scouted to provide a mix of fast tracks, technical sections, sandy terrain, and selected dune crossings.
- Foum Zguid / Foum Zguid : 312 km
- Foum Zguid / M’Hamid : 186 km
- M’Hamid / Merzouga : 316 km
- Merzouga / Merzouga : 301 km
- Merzouga / Merzouga : 138 km
We also have the Pionniers Classic Academy, led by Max Delphino and Graziano Pelanconi, along with myself and Emilien, one of our doctors. The academy offers training and guidance for co-drivers, helping them learn from professionals who have participated in over 100 rallies, including many Dakars. The training covers co-driving techniques, vehicle preparation, roadbook reading, annotations, and how to call out notes effectively.
Safety and organization
The event is supported by a 40-member organization team, including:
- A fully equipped medical team with doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists
- An emergency helicopter
- Tango medical response vehicles on the track
- An ambulance
The efforts of our team have paid off, as we’ve received very positive feedback from participants. These competitors are our best ambassadors for promoting our sport.
This year, teams from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Japan, and the Netherlands will be participating.
Media coverage
A dedicated media team will cover the event, including:
- A helicopter photographer
- A videographer
- A drone operator
- A social media manager providing real-time updates
Notable Participants and Vehicles
Some of the teams set to race on our roadbooks include:
- Two Porsches (Rothmans and Gulf)
- A 1988 Range Rover Halt’up (Grégoire De Mévius)
- Two Cotel buggies (one of which finished 2nd in the 1981 Dakar)
- A Volkswagen T3
- A COX Baja Extreme buggy
- Two Range Rover VSD
- An Audi V8 S2 ANTAR
- Two Fast & Speed buggies
- A Bat Racing buggy
- A Peugeot 504 Coupé V6 Makinen Todt
- And many more exciting vehicles!
What Can You Tell Us About the 2025 Pionniers Classic?
For the 2025 edition, we will cover around 2,200 km of special stages.
The seven special stages will start near Merzouga, then head west, moving slightly south towards Dakhla, and include a Layoun-Layoun loop before finishing with the traditional Plage Blanche arrival.
Most of the special stages have already been scouted, with only a few details left to finalize. As always, we aim to provide a mix of fast tracks, sandy terrain, and sections requiring technical driving skills.
The number of registered teams continues to grow, and we are welcoming new international competitors.
I’m also pleased to see that we will have more motorcycles and C4 trucks, which are allowed under our regulations and should add even more excitement to the event.
