Morocco


The landing in Africa. For all participants, the arrival in the port of Tangiers already represents a significant moment in the rally: once past the Strait of Gibraltar, the real Dakar challenge begins to take shape. The first tracks, the first dunes and also the first traps appear on the programme. To consider this part of the rally as a transition phase is a mistake.
A navigating error can result in even top competitors losing all hope of ultimate victory, whilst first timers are already facing delicate situations.


STAGE 3: GRENADE > RABAT

Sunday 2nd January 2005
Liaison: 6 km - Special: 10 km - Liaison: 507 km
Total: 523 km

Before leaving Spain, competitors will race a final 10 km special, swift and spectacular, run on military ground near Granada. The liaison to Algeciras, where they will embark, includes a passage control in Anquetera. After the boat crossing, the first part of the route on African soil is very smooth running, with a stretch of motorway from Tangiers to Rabat, where the finish may nevertheless be late. For the 4th time in its history the Dakar will set up its bivouac in the Moroccan capital, after previous visits in 1994, 1999 and 2002.



STAGE 4: RABAT > AGADIR

Monday 3rd January 2005
Liaison: 122 km - Special: 123 km - Liaison: 421 km
Total: 666 km

The short liaison will take the competitors to the start of a first African special that is filled with traps from the very beginning; the route is 70% new. In the first part, marked out through an undulating cork oak forest, Rally specialists may put their driving skills to full use. After this, although the sand and the desert are still far off, the first navigating problems appear. There are many changes in direction, in a landscape sorely lacking in landmarks: competitors, even experienced drivers, will very likely lose time here. And before reaching Agadir, the gateway to the south, 430 km of liaison must still be covered.



STAGE 5 : AGADIR > SMARA

Tuesday 4th January 2005
Liaison: 240 km - Special: 381 km - Liaison: 33 km
Total: 645 km

Before attacking the first long Special, there will be a warm up session on a tarmac road to Guelmin. The start of the special, between the hills, will allow high speeds but the very rocky tracks that follow will force drivers to reduce their pace. The level of difficulty will move up a scale here. The rest of the Special will alternate between slow and fast stretches, on a mainly sinuous track. This second part, never taken before by any of the competitors, will end with a very long “chott”. From this stage onwards competitors' positions may change and leads may be established.