Checking each vehicle from top to toe

The rally has not yet begun, but the days are already full under the Nice sun. One of the most important stops for the Gazelles is the mechanics workshop. Christian Viano, head mechanic, supervises the operations. “We check that everything is well secured inside the vehicle and then verify any additional fuel tanks. They have to comply with the manufacturer’s specifications.”

They carefully measure the vehicle’s ground clearance, which must not exceed 35 cm in the case of a 4×4 or 25 cm for an SUV or crossover. The mechanics also check that the competitors’ helmets comply with the appropriate standards and whether they have brought masks in case of sandstorms (ski masks in the desert!)

After verifying the technical compliance of all these elements, the mechanics install the UNIK device that will measure the exact distance driven by each vehicle. Rallye officials will note these readings at the end of each leg, because the goal of the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc is not to be the first over the finish line, but to drive the shortest distance.

Finally, the mechanics give the Gazelles a Kraftwerk mechanics logbook that will be updated each day after the team reaches the bivouac. This document is used to log any mechanical problems or repairs made to the vehicle.

Any mechanical advice before the start? “No, it’s more about PR today, the Gazelles know they can come see us every day if they have any problems. We reminded them that they have one hour to bring their vehicle and logbook the mechanics workshop at the end of each leg.”