Rallye Maroc Classic 2026
Looking Back at the 31st Edition
On Sunday, March 29, 2026, the 30 crews of the 31st edition of the Rallye Maroc Classic gathered at the Sofitel Jardin des Roses for administrative checks. Under a clear sky, each vehicle had been dressed in the colors of the rally and its partners. Blunik handled the official timing, while Privilège Millésime organized convivial moments, and MasterWash ensured the cars shone brilliantly. The calibration route allowed drivers to fine-tune their tripmasters down to the meter, a crucial step before tackling the rally’s special stages. The atmosphere combined focus and excitement: everyone felt that Morocco, with its contrasting landscapes and legendary hospitality, would offer a truly unique stage.
Discussions between drivers and technicians focused on strategies and final adjustments. Tension was palpable, as every corner and climb could prove decisive. The organizers reminded participants of safety rules while highlighting the beauty of the upcoming roads, which combined fertile plains, ochre mountains, and welcoming villages. Teams used the day to anticipate every detail before facing a challenge that went far beyond a standard regularity rally.
By evening, everything was ready for the departure toward Bin el Ouidane. Competitors were about to enter a world where regularity, precision, and discipline would be constantly tested. The first stage would reveal early favorites and set the suspense for the 2026 edition. Morocco, grand and contrasting, was already showing itself as a major player in this extraordinary automotive adventure.
Stage 1 / Rabat > Bin El Ouidane (320km)
The first stage connected Rabat to Bin el Ouidane, offering a complete panorama of Morocco: bustling suburbs, golden agricultural plains, and the red mountains of the Atlas unfolding over the kilometers. From SS1, Arlaud–Arlaud (Citroën SM) made a strong impression, setting the pace in technical descents and the final climb.
At the UTAC circuit in Oued Zem, SS2 and SS3 turned regularity into a subtle art. Ettienne–Groheux (Porsche 911 Safari) dominated SS2, while the Arlaud-Sallaberry brothers (Porsche 911 2.4 S) won SS3. In this closed circuit, every second counted down to the thousandth.
SS4 crowned Destas–Destas (Porsche 356) on the technical climb to Bin el Ouidane, where tight hairpins and mountainous terrain tested their driving finesse. But the rally was already showing its demanding side: Duchaussoy–Duchaussoy (Porsche 964) had to retire due to brake problems—a harsh reminder that every detail mattered.
By the end of the day, Arlaud–Arlaud led the overall standings. Morocco, with its welcoming villages and spectacular landscapes, had already begun to write the opening chapters of an intense rally. The fight for the podium promised to be tight, with every corner able to reshuffle the ranking in the days ahead.
Stage 2 / Bin El Ouidane > Bin El Ouidane (260km)
The second stage, a loop around Bin el Ouidane, offered winding roads of striking beauty, through red valleys, ochre hills, and Berber villages clinging to mountain slopes, reminding drivers at every turn of Morocco’s unique magic. SS5 was dominated by Maes–Ghekiere (Porsche 911 SC 3.0), who handled the climbs and hairpins with perfect rhythm.
SS6, with its accelerations and hairpins, was won by Courtens–Courtens (Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 Targa). Unfortunately, Destas–Destas (Porsche 356) retired due to a broken differential, a cruel reminder that the rally tolerated no mechanical weakness. SS7 and SS8 saw Lloyd–Lloyd (Datsun 240Z) triumph, showcasing their mastery and consistency, before Courtens–Courtens won SS9.
By the end of the day, Maes–Ghekiere led the overall standings. Gaps remained small, suspense intact, and the next stage to Ouarzazate promised to immerse the crews in another side of the Kingdom, more arid but equally captivating.
Stage 3 / Bin El Ouidane > Ouarzazate (315km)
The third stage took crews through the High Atlas in all its majesty: peaks over 4,000 meters, vertiginous passes, and Berber villages where the warm hospitality contrasted with the harsh, rocky roads. SS10 “Ait Addel” was won by Maes–Ghekiere, who leveraged the very technical final section to increase pressure. The cancellation of SS12 required a logistical feat to keep the rally on schedule.
The narrow and tricky SS11 was dominated by Dardelet–Laghmiri (Chevrolet Corvette C2), while the long and demanding SS13 confirmed Maes–Ghekiere’s consistency. Between snow-capped mountains and deep valleys, the grand landscapes challenged both the eyes and the drivers’ concentration, reminding everyone that Morocco was a unique playground for rallying.
By evening, Lloyd–Lloyd (Datsun 240Z) took the overall lead. This land of contrasts and light promised even more surprises in the coming stages.
Stage 4 / Ouarzazate > Marrakech (330km)
The fourth stage connected Ouarzazate to Marrakech through some of the Kingdom’s most spectacular landscapes: the oasis of Fint bathed in golden light, the vibrant rugs of Taznakht, and the ochre kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Passing through villages and desert panoramas illustrated Morocco’s diversity and beauty. SS14, fast and technical, was won by Riera–Desormière (Jaguar Type E), 2025 winners, regaining confidence on this exceptional course.
SS15 saw Arlaud–Arlaud (Citroën SM) prevail thanks to their consistency, while the short SS16 was dominated by Ettienne–Groheux (Porsche 911 Safari), maintaining pressure on the leaders. Winding roads, mountain passes, and grand panoramas tested nerves and strategy, but the hospitality of the locals brought a touch of lightness to this demanding day.
Lloyd–Lloyd retained the lead at the end of the day, with every remaining kilometer capable of reshuffling the ranking, while Morocco continued to impress with its grandeur and authenticity.
Stage 5 / Marrakech > Marrakech (140km)
The fifth and final stage, focused on the foothills of the High Atlas and Lake Lalla Takerkoust, offered a few intense kilometers to conclude this exceptional week. SS17, a technical ascent and descent, was won by Maes–Ghekiere, confirming the solidity of the gaps. SS18 had to be canceled due to the road being too damaged by a harsh winter.
Snowy panoramas of Jbel Toubkal and red valleys lit by morning light placed drivers at the heart of a spectacular finale, worthy of the Moroccan setting that had welcomed them all week. The finish at the Royal Golf Club of Marrakech marked the end of an adventure where Morocco’s beauty intertwined with sporting demands, offering an unforgettable experience to each participant.
Final Classification
The 31st edition ended with a spectacular victory for Lloyd–Lloyd, in a competition where regularity, precision, and courage made the difference. Suspense lasted until the last corner, and Morocco once again provided an exceptional backdrop, combining grand panoramas, welcoming villages, and legendary hospitality.
Final podium:
1- Steve and Kim Lloyd – Datsun 240Z
2- Marc Ettienne and Sylvain Groheux – Porsche 911 Safari
3- Jean-Michel and Marie-Françoise Arlaud – Citroën SM
Each crew demonstrated mastery over Morocco’s contrasting roads, from fertile plains and ochre mountains to desert panoramas, making the 31st edition a memorable and emotionally rich rally.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The 2027 edition promises new challenges and innovations: renewed routes, a new starting city, fresh special stages, and more technical sections to further push the limits of the drivers.
Moroccan landscapes will remain at the heart of the adventure, from mountains to valleys and deserts, providing a unique setting for combining competition, discovery, and cultural immersion.
Enthusiasts can already prepare for an even more spectacular edition, where Morocco’s beauty and the tension of the timed stages will continue to captivate crews taking on the challenge of the 32nd edition.