The fist competitors are today going through, one by one, the “Scrutinizing” stage, Technical checks in Marseilles today.

Trucks, bikes, quads, cars buggies, and accompanying assistance all meet in the ancient city in the “vieux port” in order of their summons so as to go through the last stages before the start. Last minute administrative and technical checks.

Amongst the favorites Thierry Bethys, riding Honda 450 CRXF obviously showing signs of impatience and looking forward to ride the dunes “ I can’t wait to be on the starting block, it’s the first African rally of the year and I’m hoping for the best result possible. As my experience in this sport gets better in each race, victory becomes my objective”.

Same feeling with amateur pilot Pascal Schhandelmeyer: “this is my 5th rally, and in my opinion the Rally Raid is Africa. New management, now under Stephane Clair, and the added bonus of discovering Libya have been a motivation in my participation in the race”. This local enthusiast (he lives a couple of miles away in Venelles) was working on the last details, before presenting his car to verification.

In the car category the fist buggies and BMW have gone through Scrutinizing, and are now parked in the closed off area in front of the town hall.

Tomorrow at 7 pm the last of the 300 competitors meet for the special “prologue” This will take place at the Grand littoral complex and through town.

The prologue will establish the order of departure, and will take place in tree legs starting with motorbikes at 7pm; cars at 8.30 pm and followed by trucks Many guest from will attend and the evening will be fun for all.