- The Repsol Toyota Rally Team driver delivered a strong and consistent performance between Fès and Erfoud, finishing 22nd overall and in the Ultimate category after a stage that demanded both precision and endurance.
- The driver from Oliana, alongside co-driver Txema Villalobos, faced a highly technical day of 779 kilometres in total, including 298 km of timed special, featuring very fast sections — some at high altitude.
- “It was a good stage, with no mistakes. We kept increasing the pace, and the car responded really well, although the altitude didn’t allow us to reach the full speed we wanted,” explained Esteve.
The first long stage of the 2025 Rallye du Maroc, covering 779 km, saw the Repsol Toyota Rally Team complete a consistent and trouble-free run. Isidre Esteve and Txema Villalobos covered the 298 km special in 3 hours, 8 minutes, and 22 seconds, finishing 18 minutes and 39 seconds behind the leader, in 22nd position both overall and in the highly competitive Ultimate category.
Starting in Fès and ending in Erfoud—where the rally will remain until the finish—the stage was highly technical. The route combined mostly fast tracks with some slower, more technical sections, demanding constant focus. With portions reaching 1,600 metres of altitude, it also tested both the vehicles and the teams’ management skills.
Under these conditions, Esteve, driving his Toyota Hilux T1+, showed steady improvement throughout the day, increasing his pace as the kilometres went by and adapting smoothly to the various terrains.
“We completed a good stage without errors. The beginning was very technical, with lots of stones and tight corners, but later we had very fast areas, although the altitude didn’t allow us to reach maximum speed. Txema was flawless with the navigation, especially in a tricky section where we crossed paths with several buggies. The car is performing really well, and we finished with great feeling. We were able to push harder towards the end, and that’s a positive sign for the coming days,” said Esteve.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 14, will bring the second stage of the 2025 Rallye du Maroc — the first of the loop stages starting and finishing in Erfoud — with a total distance of 393 km, including 306 km of timed special. Another demanding day awaits in this final round of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), which serves as a major prelude to the Dakar Rally, featuring many of the top contenders expected to compete in January’s legendary event.
Source: Repsol Toyota Rally Team
Translation and adaptation: Rally-Raid Network
