Under the Mediterranean sun, the “vieux port” was humming to the rhythm of some hardcore mechanics, all along this second day of technical and administrative checks on this 2008 edition of the "rallye de tunisie". Getting prepared for tonight’s Super Special evening, to be held in the "green corridor" in and around the famous city, teams were sharing the pure joy in anticipation of those great open spaces of the African desert.

Schlesser on the starting block! In spite of his painful shoulder, the result of a recent bike fall, Jean loius Schlesser is comfortably at the start of the 2008 edition, first leg of the FIA Rally World Cup; still convalescing, the "Wizard" from Nice, will follow his two buggies, racing for him: the Spaniard Jose Luis Monterde and the northerner Dominique Housieaux.

Winning numbers: 97-91-11, No these are not the winning numbers of the next lottery, but the incredible number of teams enrolled in the Rallye de Tunisie: 97 bikes and quads, 91 cars and buggies, and 11 trucks bringing the total to 199 vehicles. No doubt the 2008 edition will be exceptional.

Bourgnon is looking at the sea, from the vieux port. But don’t be mistaken it s at the wheel of his  Springbok "proto" ( with a Nissan engine) that this Route du rhum winner, will compete in this year’s edition of the Rallye de Tunisie, side by side with his faithful seafaring friend Guy Leneveu.

15 women in the Race! Another record broken! Indeed 15 Women are participating in different categories: Ludivine Puy (KTM 690), European Enduro champion, Also Justin Carter, from Great Britain (KTM 690). Keeps a close eye on the dual opposing Florence Migraine-Bourgnon (Toyota LC120) and the Portuguese Madalena Antas (Nissan Pickup).Another category, another woman: Elisabete Jacinto (MAN) who will be looking for a top spot in the Truck race.

Lavielle: amongst the big names in rally races, Christian Lavielle (Proto Nissan) can’t wait to drive in his beloved African desert. In the meantime he has been up to his usual self, driving around the Bayonne rugby stadium and giving the kick off to the in the match Bayonne vs Stade Francais.