Testing at Stade Adrar

Arrival in Agadir - The start is getting closer and closer

The drive to Agadir was another challenge for the team. The race convoy took a detour to practice various race procedures on a section of the race track. All other team members meanwhile brought the equipment to Agadir. After a long or short drive, everyone finally arrived at the hostel, which was completely booked out by the team, to have dinner together. After a tasty refreshment and warm tea, some went to the beach to refresh themselves in the Atlantic Ocean before going to bed. The next morning we went after a common breakfast in the hostel to the stadium, the place of the race start. Here we moved into a tent next to the other teams and can now continue our race preparation at the Covestro Photon. It turns out from day to day how difficult it is to get specific things in Agadir. We went to 4 big hardware stores in search of m16 nuts - unfortunately without success. However, things like delicious fruit and freshly squeezed orange juice can be found on every street corner.

Assembly of the Convoi - A special task for every vehicle

The convoy consists of the "Lead", a Mercedes Vito which paves the way for the Covestro Photon, a Dacia Logan to simulate the Covestro Photon and a Renault Trafic as the "Chase" which takes over the entire race strategy as the last of the three. During the race, other vehicles drive at various intervals in front of and behind the race convoy - all to accompany the Covestro Photon from start to finish under the best possible conditions. For example, there is the workshop van, a Mercedes Vito converted into a workshop, which drives behind the Chase at a distance of a few minutes. Ahead are two scout vehicles that try to get any obstacles out of the way. This can mean marking large potholes with spray paint, but also driving herds of camels off the road or standing briefly in traffic circles at a busy entrance.

Outlook - the testing begins

After we had some problems in Ben Guerir during the first testing on Moroccan soil, we were back on the track for the first time today - but only for a short time. After successfully fixing the problems we are confident to spend the whole day on the track tomorrow. Apart from that, the cars will be finished foiling and equipped with workstations. On the Chase we still have to mount the sensors for weather analysis using aluminum racks.

Until then, sunny greetings from the whole team!