Celebrating its 20th edition in 2019, the Rally du Maroc will challenge competitors with over 2,500 kilometres of racing close to the oasis town of Erfoud in the Sahara Desert. Friday’s short Prologue is then followed by five tough stages, 80 percent ridden in soft sand dunes. The timed specials total close to 1,900 kilometres and the riders will also have a marathon stage to contend with.

Returning to competition at round three – the Atacama Rally in Chile – Price will now use the Rally du Maroc to continue to build pace, navigation and bike settings. The two-time Dakar winner will still be aiming for top results in Morocco, however, having previously won the event.

“The Atacama Rally went really well for me – it was a great way to come back after so long off the bike and I was really happy with my performance,” said Price. “I still have a bit of work to do on the wrist, but the plan for Morocco is just take each day as it comes and try and build on my speed. I’m hoping for a good, safe finish and then continue building for the Dakar in January.”

The Rally du Maroc Prologue commences on Friday October 4, followed by five full days of racing in the Sahara Desert before the finish on October 9 at Fez, Morocco.