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Why did Renault take the decision to promote the new off-roader Dacia Duster in a very unusual competition – the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles?
Renault decided to promote this vehicle in the rally because I asked for that! I asked to take the Duster to the rally in which I participated every year…
How were you selected to drive the Duster in this race, are you a race enthusiast, or a fan of off road cars?
I wasn’t selected. Having suggested the project and having a sound experience in 4x4 competitions (5 rallies Aïcha), Gérard Detourbet trusted me and asked me to recruit my teammate and the other team.
Why, in your opinion, is this rally an all-lady motor sport event?
In order to prove our capacity to fully manage a car race, without being under male pressure!
Where in Morocco were you during your adventure and how did the locals respond when getting a glimpse of Dacia Duster?
We crossed the southern part of Morocco and we had more than a warm welcome, it was sheer enthusiasm… the people were really interested in and excited by the design.
How many days have you spent in the Moroccan desert? How many kilometers have you covered during this time?
Around 10 days and almost 3,000 kilometers.
What were the instruments you had in order to get by in the desert?
Compass, compasses and ruler.
The organizers of the rally present it as an atypical race, where the participants have to be proud of having taken part in the competition. How did this experience influence or change your life?
Well, it was a nice, intense and humane experience, but it did not revolutionize my life… probably that of my children!
The Aicha Rally is a car race which does not lay emphasis on speed and which excludes the use of navigation systems. Could you explain to us how such a race can stress the performance of an off-roader?
Well, we had to follow the direction! Since we were supposed to find the shortest way and to follow a straight line, the route got complicated and if the vehicle hadn’t been good enough and if it hadn’t had a real go-anywhere ability, limiting the distance would have been out of question!
How manageable did you find the car through the foothills and over the sand dunes? What are the strong points of the car according to you?
It’s a real player with excellent go-anywhere, including over the sand abilities. It is quick and light, with a very good basis.
A rally “in the respect of the local populations and of the environment”… How can a 4x4 respect the environment?
We are eco2, and since we did not drive at high speed, we consumed less fuel, so we polluted less… we also did our best (we stopped the engine whenever possible etc…) But this being said, let’s be serious, we drove!
The rally gathered women of 33 different nationalities. Can you say that the race wasn’t only an atypical motor experience, but also a cultural one, considering that your copilot was a Moroccan?
Yes, of course, we are always very happy to see women from all over the world. It is very rewarding to have such a competition!
What are the most important characteristics of the “gazelle” spirit, what do you need in order to succeed in such a strenuous race?
SOLIDARITY and obstinacy! Don’t lose grip and be patient…
The rally relies on the idea of mutual help and solidarity among the various teams. How did you cooperate with the other participants?
Whenever we saw teams having problems, we stopped to help them, either morally, or technically: we helped a Kangoo to dismantle its shock absorber!!! and other teams in distress!!
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