The mechanics workshop: pampering the third member of the team
Not far from the refuelling station lies a parallel world: the mechanics workshop of the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc. This space, set up a short distance from the rest of the bivouac, is a sacred place for the Gazelles. They pay it a visit every day and are on a first-name basis with all the mechanics!
For three years, Rallye partner Kraftwerk has been supplying the tools for the mechanical assistance teams of the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc. Their pliers, ratchets, portable LED lamps and socket wrenches are among the tools used during this 28th edition. Before this partnership came into being, each mechanic brought his own tools. Kraftwerk’s commitment provides precious help and a guarantee of quality equipment for the Rallye’s 50 mechanics who work tirelessly to repair the damaged vehicles every day.
A total of 47 volunteer mechanics look after the Gazelles’ vehicles, seven of whom spend the day out on the terrain to be on location in the event of a call for mechanical assistance. Five mechanics workshops operate through the night, including one specializing in SSVs and quad bikes. Their schedule is opposite to that of the rest of the Rallye. The mechanics sleep during the day while the Gazelle are out in the desert. And when the teams return at the end of the day, they have one hour and not a minute more to deliver their vehicles and mechanics sheets to the head mechanic. If they exceed the one-hour time limit, they are penalized one penalty kilometre per minute. The vehicle may require a simple checkup or more serious repairs. The mechanics often achieve “minor miracles” and manage to get disabled vehicles up and running again. Head mechanic Christian Viano is in charge of this parallel world. “We’re all passionate about 4x4s and rallies here,” he explains. In recognition of the mechanics’ skill and hard work, the Gazelles often leave them little messages and notes of thanks.
