Rallye OLA Energy du Maroc Director Marc Coma announces "the reintroduction of elements that had faded somewhat" and the addition of "new sections" that the race will discover in 2026. The mileages are known, and the FIA-special stages have increased by 13%.
The fourth round of the 2026 World Rally-Raid Championship, the Rallye OLA Energy du Maroc has a significant challenge the its organizers: a dress rehearsal for the Dakar for both professional teams and experienced privateers, and a first taste of the desert for amateurs, all within the context of battles for the W2RC titles.
As the event director since last year, Marc Coma has worked to create the conditions for this delicate balance. The Spaniard gave an update on the preparations during a press conference held this Tuesday, June 9, at the Sofitel Royal Bay Resort in Agadir, which will be the starting city for the third time in five years. “I’m very pleased with the preparation work our teams have done on the ground. We’ve reintroduced elements that had faded somewhat, and we’ve also managed to find new sections, which isn’t easy in Morocco.”
Increased mileage for cars
As he had already announced, in response to requests from the bivouac, the mileage of the FIA route has been increased. Now, the stats are in: 2,773 km with 1,591 km of special stage for the bikes; 2,838 km with 1,656 km against the clock for the cars. Compared to the previous edition, this represents a 13% increase in FIA special stage length. And to further help preparation, an FIA ‘pit stop’ is planned to allow teams to practice the tire strategies introduced on the 2026 Dakar and set to return next January.
Agadir and its surrounding region will be the setting for the first three days, featuring scrutineering, private tests, the traditional meeting between schoolchildren and the “bivouac,” prior to the FIM prologue. A 25-km route along the Atlantic Ocean that will serve as a “comprehensive test on sand tracks,” warns the race architect. The FIA Shakedown will take place there immediately afterward, serving as the final test for cars.
Four loop stages in Zagora
Stage 1 will follow “the format of a Dakar stage,” with a long transfer to the Tata region, where the first special stage will start, including a first encounter with the dunes before arriving in Zagora for four loop stages.
Right after that, Stage 2 will be “the toughest.” First, because it features a completely new route through the mountains, followed by a rocky section, before hitting the sand. It will be a full and intense day with this inaugural foray into the Atlas Mountains, a route the race hasn’t tackled in several years.
Stage 3 will offer a breather, designed especially for amateur riders. Average speeds there will be the highest of the week as the route heads toward Merzouga, where it will once again be a matter of dunes, but also of navigation.
Stage 4 will be “the most beautiful,” featuring canyons, navigation, and yet more uncharted sections. It will also mark the split between the FIA and FIM routes, with cars covering more kilometers.
The final stage will be more traditional, shorter but still featuring dunes, plus a small surprise confirmed for the end… but still not revealed!
David Castera, Director of Motorsports at Amaury Sport Organisation (promoter of the FIA-FIM World Rally-Raid Championship), is eager to see the W2RC return to Agadir: “The Rallye OLA Energy du Maroc has been a pillar of the FIA-FIM World Rally-Raid Championship since its inception in 2022. Morocco is the quintessential land of rally-raid, offering an exceptional setting thanks to the richness and diversity of its terrain. This round is a must-attend event for competitors, particularly due to the quality of its organization and the sporting challenge it presents. The Rallye OLA Energy du Maroc plays a major role in the championship’s momentum and contributes to its international reach. We are proud to count Morocco among the most iconic events of the W2RC.”
SCHEDULE
- Wednesday, July 15: End of the preferential registration rate for competitors
- Friday, September 11: Closing of competitor registrations
- Thursday, September 24 starting at noon: Opening of the service park in Agadir
- Friday, September 25: Private tests
- Saturday, September 26: Administrative and technical scrutineering; Private tests (mornings only), General briefing for the Rallye OLA Energy du Maroc
- Sunday, September 27: Administrative and technical scrutineering; Press conference
- Monday, September 28: FIM Prologue (Agadir); FIA Shakedown (Agadir)
- Tuesday, September 29: Stage 1 (Agadir – Zagora)
- Wednesday, September 30: Stage 2 (Zagora – Zagora)
- Thursday, October 1: Stage 3 (Zagora – Zagora)
- Friday, October 2: Stage 4 (Zagora – Zagora)
- Saturday, October 3: Stage 5 (Zagora – Zagora); Press conference; Awards ceremony at the bivouac
