Prologue
Route info
On october 13, 2023
The prologue route was characterized by many trees with low-hanging branches.
It has started
Boss Machinery Team de Rooy FPT
Compared to the shakedown two days earlier, there was now more space for the trucks and the course had more sand. The battle for tomorrow’s starting grid took place over a distance of 19 kilometers.
With starting number 500, the truck of Boss Machinery Team De Rooy FPT was allowed to open the ball. Janus van Kasteren drove as sharp as a knife, as always.
When constantly driving ‘on the edge’ the Iveco Powerstar served as a mobile hedge trimmer on todays course.
After only five kilometers it resulted in a shattered windshield when a sturdy branch went through it.
Van Kasteren was the first truck to make way for the competition, which benefited from all the pruning work done. Despite the broken windscreen, Van Kasteren, Snijders and Rodewald clocked the third fastest time. This makes them only 47 seconds slower than day winner Martin Macik.
colleague Michiel Becx finished second
39 seconds behind the Czech Macik. Excellent result for Becx, Kuijpers and Van Ginkel.
The men of Becx Competition Team De Rooy FPT were able to drive at a nice pace.
Fortunately, there was more space for the trucks compared to the shakedown. Becx felt good and relaxed in the truck and navigator Kuijpers said it was a great test: “We didn’t experience anything crazy, played it safe and still drove a very good time.”
“A good result in this starting field.” All in all, a great start to Rallye du Maroc.
Sixth fastest time for Anja van Loon in the prologue
An excellent performance by the ladies in the Iveco Powerstar, they finsihed sixth place in the prologue, just 1m49s behind Martin Macik
There is usually more to lose than to gain in a prologue, but Anja was not tempted to make mistakes. “We just drove well and kept a good pace. We finished in sixth place by a small margin, which is just good.“
“There’s still a long way to go to the finish, so I didn’t want to make any mistakes and I didn’t.”
“The truck is good and the vibe inside cabin also feels familiar. On to the first real stage tomorrow.”
The first stage goes from Agadir to Zagora and is also the longest day for the participants. In addition to 311 kilometers at speed, 397 kilometers are also covered by road.
The teams have a long day ahead of them, but the gloves are off.
Stage Results
First day result, after the Prologue of 120km special stage.
| Stage Rank | Number | Driver | Time | Gap to first |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 501 | Martin Macik | 12m54s | – |
| 2 | 508 | Michiel Becx | 13m33s | +39s |
| 3 | 500 | Janus van Kasteren | 13m41s | +47s |
| 6 | 507 | Anja van Loon | 14m43s | +1m49s |
Overall ranking
Tommorow we will start reporting overall rankings as well.
Tommorow
It will only become clear tomorrow how the starting field compares to each other.
Then the first real stage is on the rally menu and will be fought over a distance of no less than 311 clocked kilometers. The first dunes also await. In addition, almost 400 connection kilometers are covered.
The first participant starts at 12:09 UTC and
is expected at the finish around 15:37 UTC
Photos
All photos taken by those crazy good photographers Fotop & MMPhoto in the dunes somewhere 🤭
Videos
Highlights from the organisation
