We’re changing base camp and heading to Merzouga.
A beautiful 290 km special is on the program today, and the assistance crews will also have to move. The start is a bit earlier than on previous days — 8:00 a.m. from M’Hamid — because it’s going to be a long stage.
Just after leaving M’Hamid, crews will cross a small oued with a bit of water before reaching the first small dunes. The route then heads toward the “crater”, where the tracks start off fast but begin to deteriorate. The climb into this spectacular mineral cirque is rocky and technical, much like the descent, but the crossing at the bottom is on a fast track.
What follows is a series of fast tracks with navigational challenges, requiring focus and attention. A little more oued adds some spice to the day before the final stretch toward Merzouga: plateaus, tracks with vegetation, and finally a very fast trail.
Kacem Hamsas #104 – SMG Buggy
“Today was a long 300 km stage, fast, with lots of sections. We crossed mountains, and there were quite a few danger level 3 zones. The tracks were very fast, so you had to be careful. After the oued, we hit a lot of sand, some small dunes, and then those mountains — they were pretty tough to get through. We had to really watch our tires to avoid popping them off the rims.”
“There were big danger level 3 holes, and fast tracks with lots of parallel options. Navigation went well. Paul (Durâmes) always gives me good information, and for me, it was a great day.”
“This is my second Carta. I really enjoy it because it’s different. You get to do all sorts of things in the same rally. It’s varied — dune stages, long stages, fast stages — it’s really good.”
“The atmosphere at the Carta is great. You see all your buddies, it’s well organized, everything’s spot on.”
“And I’ll add one more thing — I love Paulo!”
