Yazeed Al-Rajhi targets victory at 2026 Rallye du Maroc

Saudi rally champion Yazeed Al-Rajhi is preparing to compete in the 2026 Rallye du Maroc, the fourth round of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), scheduled from September 28 to October 3, alongside a lineup of the sport’s leading international drivers.

Al-Rajhi will be joined by German co-driver Dennis Zenz, who continues in the role after their partnership at Baja Aragon, as Al-Rajhi’s regular navigator Timo Gottschalk recovers from injury. The renewed pairing will compete in a Toyota Hilux T1+ prepared by Overdrive Racing in the Ultimate category.

This year’s route covers a total distance of approximately 2,524 kilometers, including 1,575 kilometers of timed special stages across a mix of rocky, sandy, and dune-filled terrain, offering teams a comprehensive test of speed, navigation, and endurance.

The rally will start in Agadir, with administrative and technical checks as well as shakedown runs preceding the main competition. The first stage begins on September 29, heading from Agadir to Zagora, where the rally caravan will settle into a central bivouac. Four consecutive loop stages will then take place around Zagora, culminating at the finish line on October 3.

The 2026 edition features a distinctly desert character, taking competitors from the Atlantic coast in Agadir deep into Morocco’s Sahara near Zagora. The final four stages are based around Zagora, providing access to two of Morocco’s most famous dune fields, Erg Chegaga and Erg Chebbi, intensifying both the desert challenge and navigational demands.

Al-Rajhi returns to Morocco aiming to repeat his 2023 triumph, when he won the rally with co-driver Timo Gottschalk. This year, he seeks to contend for the top spot once again, leveraging his extensive experience and knowledge of Moroccan terrain in hopes of writing a new chapter of success where he was crowned champion three years ago.

Speaking ahead of the event, Al-Rajhi said: "I’m happy to return to Rallye du Maroc, which holds great memories after our victory in 2023."

Al-Rajhi emphasized that his main goal in Morocco is to prepare for the 2027 Dakar Rally, stating: "Our aim at Rallye du Maroc is to get ready for Dakar 2027 in the best possible way and to finish the event without technical issues or withdrawals. The team completed five days of testing and introduced new modifications to the car, and we look forward to testing them and ensuring readiness during the rally stages."

He added: "Of course, we miss having Timo with us this time and wish him a speedy recovery and return, as he is an important partner in our journey. At the same time, I’m pleased to continue working with Dennis, and our goal is to deliver a strong rally, compete for victory, and repeat our 2023 achievement."

📅 2026 Rallye du Maroc schedule

• September 26: Start of administrative and technical checks – Agadir.

• September 27: Completion of checks + pre-rally press conference.

• September 29: Stage 1 – 268 km special, starting from Agadir.

• September 30: Stage 2 – 300 km special, starting from Zagora.

• October 1: Stage 3 – 364 km special, starting from Zagora.

• October 2: Stage 4 – 384 km special, starting from Zagora.

• October 3: Stage 5 – 259 km special, starting from Zagora.

• October 3 – 6:00 p.m.: Final press conference – Zagora.

• October 3 – 7:30 p.m.: Awards ceremony – Zagora bivouac.