- The Repsol Toyota Rally Team driver delivered a clean, error-free performance with strong pace and great feeling, finishing 21st in the Ultimate category and 26th overall.
- The Spaniard from Oliana and his co-driver Txema Villalobos hold 21st place overall in their category aboard their Toyota Hilux T1+, while climbing to 25th position in the overall standings.
- “It was a very complete stage, with a good rhythm and flawless navigation. The car performed perfectly, and we’re very happy with the feeling,” said Esteve.
The third stage of the Rallye du Maroc allowed the Repsol Toyota Rally Team to regain momentum after the previous day’s setbacks. Isidre Esteve delivered a solid and consistent performance, free from errors, with the Toyota Hilux T1+ running perfectly. Alongside Txema Villalobos, and supported by Repsol, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing España, MGS Seguros, and KH-7, Esteve completed the 323 km timed special in 3 hours, 59 minutes, and 47 seconds, finishing less than 30 minutes behind the stage winner.
The second loop stage, starting and finishing at the Erfoud bivouac, featured a variety of terrain, including fast sections and a new crossing of the Merzouga dunes. After suffering two broken shock absorbers in the previous stage, the team’s mechanics worked hard overnight to restore the car, and the results were clear. Esteve ran inside the top 20 of the Ultimate class, finishing 21st in the category — the same position he now holds in the overall standings — and 26th overall, which moves him up to 25th place provisionally.
The only challenge of the day was the traffic, due to a later start position, which forced the Spanish driver to overtake several Challenger class vehicles. Even so, both the pace and navigation were strong in a stage that once again tested the endurance and precision of both teams and machines.
“It was a really good stage. We didn’t make any mistakes, neither in driving nor in navigation. Our pace was solid, and the car ran perfectly. I’m very happy because this was the first day everything worked as we wanted, and we managed to recover some positions in the general standings. It was difficult to overtake some vehicles, but we succeeded in the dunes. It was a tough and intense day, with varied terrain, but we finished with great sensations. The important thing now is to keep this momentum,” said Isidre Esteve.
The final round of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) is entering its decisive phase. Tomorrow, the rally will continue with the fourth and penultimate stage, once again starting and finishing in Erfoud, covering a total of 379 km, including 284 km of timed special. It will be another valuable opportunity for Isidre Esteve and Txema Villalobos to continue their preparation for the 2026 Dakar Rally.
Source: Repsol Toyota Rally Team
Translation and adaptaion Rally-Raid Network
