The fifth and final stage of the 2025 Rallye du Maroc delivered a thrilling conclusion to an already intense week. A 311-kilometer loop around Erfoud, featuring 216 km of special stage and a decisive 31 km Power Selective Section for the FIA classes, marked the grand finale of this year’s rally. While global stars battled for gold, the Dutch contenders wrote their own stories of perseverance, achievement, and adversity.
Schareina finally on top step
After multiple stage wins in previous editions without taking the overall victory, Tosha Schareina (Monster Energy Honda HRC) finally sealed the deal in the RallyGP category. His third stage win of the week was enough to edge out Daniel Sanders (Red Bull KTM) and secure his first rally win.
“It feels amazing. Today we had to go flat out, and that’s exactly what we did,” said a jubilant Schareina. He now joins an exclusive list of Honda legends to have won in Morocco.
Canet and Sainct shine in Rally2 and Rally3
In Rally2, Edgar Canet played it safe. The Spanish KTM rider didn’t need to win the stage, but did so anyway – securing both the day’s victory and the FIM World Cup title.
There was even more reason to celebrate for the Dutch team BAS World KTM, as Michael Docherty finished second on the stage and secured second place in the world championship. Their consistent performance also earned the team the world title in the Rally2 Teams Championship.
In Rally3, Noa Sainct, son of two-time Dakar winner Richard Sainct, claimed his first-ever World Championship rally win. Despite Sainct’s victory, the world title went to the injured but determined Thomas Zoldos, who held on to the lead thanks to earlier performances.
Dutch riders Ian Olthof and Deen Munsters also completed the final stage of the 2025 Rallye du Maroc, a tough 216 km route through the Moroccan desert. Olthof clocked a time of 3h37m51s in the Rally2 category, placing 27th on the day. Munsters followed in 4h42m24s, finishing 37th. By crossing the final finish line, the qualification for the 2026 Dakar Rally is officially secured.
Moraes takes the world crown after late drama
The car category saw a dramatic finale. Sébastien Loeb (The Dacia Sandriders) claimed his first-ever Rallye du Maroc win, but it was Lucas Moraes (Toyota Gazoo Racing W2RC) who captured the FIA World Championship title.
A one-hour penalty for Nasser Al Attiyah, for missing a control stop in the Power Stage, flipped the script at the last possible moment. Moraes, who had finished second on the day, became Brazil’s first world rally-raid champion.
“We fought until the very last kilometer. This is for Brazil,” said an emotional Moraes.
Among the Dutch crews, Janus van Kasteren, Michiel Becx, Mike van Eikeren, and Roger Grouwels all successfully completed the final stage without major issues. Maik Willems also reached the finish, although with a notable time loss. Unfortunately, Rik van den Brink had to retire earlier in the rally due to mechanical problems.
Klaassen clinches podium, Spierings finishes strong
In the fiercely contested Challenger class, Puck Klaassen (G Rally) claimed a well-deserved third place on the stage – securing her place on the final rally podium. “What a week, it had everything,” she reflected at the finish.
Paul Spierings (Rebellion) also ended the rally on a high note with a solid fifth-place finish. His transition from motorcycle racing to the Challenger category has proven to be a serious and promising move.
Fellow Dutch teams Kees Koolen & Jurgen van den Goorbergh, Rine Streppel & Lisette Bakker, and Roger Grouwels & Dick Meijer all reached the finish line in Erfoud.
Final stage ends with sorrow
Tragically, the final stage was overshadowed by sad news. Portuguese motorcyclist Jorge Brandao crashed in the dunes at kilometer 214. He was quickly attended to by a medical helicopter and transported to the hospital in Erfoud, where he sadly passed away later that day.
The Rallye du Maroc, the FIM, and the World Rally-Raid Championship extend their deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
Looking ahead to 2026
The 27th edition of the Rallye du Maroc is scheduled for 28 September to 3 October 2026. With the Dakar Rally in January up next, all eyes now turn to the ultimate challenge. For riders, drivers, and teams alike, the road to Dakar 2026 has officially begun.
