Benoît Rousselot claimed his third T2 stage win of the event over the final loop around Agadir, and finishes second in the category, just a few lengths behind Serguey Sukhovenko in the other Team Dessoude Nissan Pathfinder. The Russian also takes the lead of the World Cup in the T2 class.

It always looked as if the last stage would be close, and this proved to be the case, both in the overall classification and in the T2 class. Among the top teams, there was drama at the 106 km point, when Stéphane Peterhansel broke his steering rack, seeing all hopes of victory fly away, and leaving the Volkswagen Touareg cars to score a one-two-three with Bruno Saby in the lead.

In T2, Team Nissan France Dessoude held its breath until the finish line. The two Nssan Pathfinder vehicles of Benoît Rousselot and Serguey Sukhovenko were driving together to make sure of the double finish. Mission accomplished, and a total success for the brand, which proved that the title gained in 2004 with Isabelle Patissier was no fluke.

Benoît Rousselot finished second, 6 minutes and 4 seconds behind Serguey, having received a penalty of 1 minute and 30 seconds for exceeding the speed authorised in a village (while he was suffering from brake problems). The Frenchman was classified 10th overall. A fine performance, which should be emphasised.

«It was hard to fight today. The engine misfire problems surfaced again. This problem disturbed our global race strategy. From the start, we pulled out a fine gap, but from the second day, we had to push, which tired out our car. I am very pleased with this second place, after the retirement in Tunisia. Our morale was low, and Morocco does some good to the whole team. It also allows me to score some points towards the World Cup, which is excellent. This one-two is great for Nissan, and Serguey did a great race. He was perfect. But I am determined to take my revenge… in the Orient. The experience with Jacky was very beneficial. He helped me throughout the event and I learned a lot. We spent some good times together. I’ll be back for the Orient in one month’s time.”

Jacky Dubois is also very satisfied with the five days he spent alongside Benôit, and admitted that today was far from easy : «Iam pleased to have reached the finish. This morning, I was a bit worried about the car and the navigation… As far as the navigation was concerned, I was right to be worried, as the road book was not very clear. To see the two Nissans finish in such a good position delights me for the whole team. As for Benoît, as soon as he has gained some more experience, he will be truly redoubtable ! In the meantime, he has to drive, and with his fighting spirit, I am sure he will do well. »

If there is a happy man this evening, it is André Dessoude. All smiles on the finish line, he made the following comments about the performance of his protégés : « The conclusion of all this teamwork is very totally satisfying, and I am very pleased with the result. Benoît and Serguey drove together for the final stage, and played the team game. I am confident about the potential of the cars compared to our competitors and our two drivers are at the top. In Turkey, morale will be high. And according to the proverb, ‘victory brings victory’. So I hope that we will confirm the saying. We will enter three cars, like here, and also for the Rally of Egypt, as planned.”

In effect, the next event for the Team Nissan France Dessoude will be the Rally of the Orient, organised by René Metge, from June 26thto July 2nd.The rally will go through Turkey and the finish will take place, for the first time, in Iran. A rally which should be interesting, both from the sporting side as for the diversity of the terrain encountered.