With Sandra Gomez making her debut on the Fantic XEF 450 Rally alongside Tommaso Montanari and Jeremy Miroir, Fantic is fielding three factory riders at the final round of the World Rally Raid in Morocco, a crucial testing ground ahead of the 2025 Dakar Rally. They will be joined by seven more riders supported through the new Fantic Rally Raid project.
On Sunday, October 6th, the Rallye du Maroc, one of the most prestigious events of the World Rally Raid Championship, kicks off. The prologue in Marrakesh will start the competition, followed by five challenging stages. Riders will tackle over 2,400 km through the tough terrain of the Moroccan desert, including sand, rocks and dunes. The desert challenge will conclude on Friday, October 11th, in Mengoub-Bouârfa.
For the Fantic Factory Rally Team, this will be the first official event with the new lineup. Spanish new addition Sandra Gomez will debut on the Fantic XEF 450 Rally, alongside Italy’s Tommaso Montanari and Frenchman Jeremy Miroir, who both had positive experiences with Fantic in the 2024 Dakar. The Rallye du Maroc will be a crucial opportunity for them to test the bike and fine-tune their strategies ahead of the return to Saudi Arabia.
All of the experience Fantic has gained from official participation in the World Rally Raid will benefit more than just the factory riders. With the launch of the new Fantic Rally Raid project, the Italian brand has made the great adventures of the Rallye du Maroc and the legendary Dakar accessible to a wider public. Seven Fantic-supported riders from Japan, Chile, Argentina and Spain will compete in Morocco. They will have access to the full racing version of the Fantic XEF 450 Rally and all the necessary assistance to reach their full potential.
Sandra Gomez:
“I can’t wait to spend more time with the team and my new mates, being back at the rallies. The roadbook and the Fantic – everything is new for me. My last roadbook was still on paper, and now it is digital. I have to admit, I am a little nervous, but I really can’t wait to be on the bike in the sand of Morocco and learn everything as fast as I can. I will also try to enjoy it, as I have worked hard to be in this position. My main goal is to finish, adapt to the new bike and environment, take it day by day, and be competitive with my teammates as soon as possible. It is going to be an intense week.”
Jeremy Miroir:
“I am super excited to be back with the Fantic family for a new adventure at the 2024 Rallye du Maroc. Over the last few months, I have participated in major French Enduro events, and I really enjoyed them. Now, after quite some time without racing in rally raid, I can’t wait to put the wheels back in the Moroccan sand and prepare for the upcoming Dakar in the best possible way.”
Tommaso Montanari:
“It is finally go time! Morocco is always a great test before the Dakar. We have a few things to try, and this will be an excellent practice ground to arrive even better prepared in Saudi Arabia. I can’t wait to get back to riding in these beautiful landscapes.”
