João Ferreira at the Rally du Maroc already thinking about the Dakar Rally 2025

João Ferreira and Filipe Palmeiro will begin their participation in the Rally du Maroc this Sunday, the fifth and final round of the World Rally Raid Championship (W2RC). Following positive results in the 2024 Dakar Rally (SSV), Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (SSV), and Rally Raid Portugal (Ultimate), the Portuguese duo is set to tackle the final round of the championship driving the Mini JCW T1+ (Ultimate) from X-Raid. Their goal is to prepare as best as possible for the Dakar Rally 2025, marking their first participation in the premier class. It’s worth noting that in 2023, Ferreira and Palmeiro won this event driving an SSV, which they later used to compete in this year’s Dakar edition.

“It’s a whole new experience, and we want to significantly improve our driving in the dunes in a car from the Ultimate category. Fueled by Repsol's 100% Renewable fuel, we will work to compete on equal footing with the biggest names in the world of off-road racing featured in this incredible entry list. As always, we will give our best and try to take the colors of our flag and all those who support us even further,” explained the 25-year-old driver, who is heading into the third Dakar of his career.

The Rally du Maroc kicks off next Sunday with the Prologue in Marrakech. Until Friday, the drivers and their machines will cover approximately 2000km of timed stages, which is considered by many to be the final major test before the Dakar Rally.