The fifth and final day of the MB Rally Trophy 2025 started under heavy rain in Merzouga. The weather had other plans for what was meant to be a competitive conclusion to the first edition of this event. Due to intense rainfall and waterlogged terrain, the organisers made the justified decision to cancel the planned 160-kilometre final stage. This meant the standings after stage four became final, officially crowning Erik van Loon and Wouter Rosegaar as the overall winners.
Van Loon: “Maybe our best rally of the year”
For Van Loon and Rosegaar, the win capped off a nearly flawless week. With three stage victories, no penalties, and a smart, controlled drive, they built a commanding lead of more than ninety minutes. “It’s a really fun event and definitely not easy,” said Van Loon. “The atmosphere was great, and the stages were enjoyable and challenging. Winning here in a solid and convincing way makes it even better.”
Their Can-Am performed perfectly all week. “Wouter did an amazing job navigating, and the driving went really well, too. We’ve had quite a bit of bad luck this year, which can be frustrating. But this week, everything came together. We had no issues, really enjoyed ourselves, and pushed hard. When that happens, the pace is there. This might have been our best rally of the season.”
Even without the final competitive stage, the mood remained upbeat. The finish line offered a chance to reflect. Martijn van den Broek summed it up well: “That’s it. We had an amazing time. It was another great experience. Today felt like a bit of an anticlimax with the stage being cancelled, but it was the right call. Still, it’s a shame.” Van den Broek and his co-driver Jan-Paul van der Poel finished fourth overall, just fifteen minutes off the podium. “We were in a good position and would’ve done everything today to try and pass Kees and Renée Box. But that’s rally. You deal with whatever comes your way.”
Strong finishes for debutants and determined teams
Also worth noting was the ninth place for Patrick Brinkman and Hein Verschuuren. It was Brinkman’s debut rally as a driver, and despite a major crash midweek, the duo stayed in the classification. “Five incredible days,” said Verschuuren. “The night stage was a highlight. Navigating in the dark adds a whole new dimension. In the end, we’re very happy with ninth place. Now it’s time for a winter break and to prepare for 2026.”
Maurik van den Heuvel also secured a solid top-five result after a steady and consistent performance. Behind him, Maarten Kanters, Bob Herber, and Marcel van Berlo all finished inside the top eight, overcoming considerable challenges along the way.
A rally with room to grow
With the inaugural MB Rally Trophy now completed, participants, organisers, and spectators are left with the same impression: this event has real potential. The unique mix of competitive stages, varied terrain, a relaxed atmosphere, and a demanding roadbook was exactly what many competitors were looking for. The cancellation of the final stage due to extreme weather hardly diminished that feeling.
Erik van Loon said it best after the finish: “Hopefully Mitchel will organise this more often, we’d love to come back.”
Final standings – Top 5 – MB Rally Trophy 2025
- Erik van Loon / Wouter Rosegaar – 10:24:47
- Jasper Versteijnen / Jelle van Limpt – 11:53:04 (+1:28:17)
- Kees Box / Renée Box – 12:42:54 (+2:18:07)
- Martijn van den Broek / Jan-Paul van der Poel – 12:57:41 (+2:32:54)
- Maurik van den Heuvel / Anneke Velthuizen – 14:57:20 (+4:32:33)
