IVECO marked its first foray into the world of desert racing by participating in the inaugural Desert Master, a unique and challenging navigation race set in the heart of the Tunisian desert.
The event, which started near Ksar Ghilane on October 30th and concluded in Djerba, was a celebration of endurance and skill, where participants from around the world drove 4×4 vehicles across five arduous stages over six days.
The Desert Master, drawing inspiration from the famed Dakar Rally, stood out for its non-competitive nature. Instead of racing against the clock, the event focused on adventure, driving prowess, and exploration in the expansive dunes. Another notable aspect of the race was its environmental consciousness. .
In this challenging setting, IVECO distinguished itself as the only brand to actively compete with its own vehicle. The company’s participation was spearheaded by Giuseppe Francesco Simonato, an IVECO Motorsport Specialist, and Bergomi Fulvio, an IVECO LCV Mechanical Test driver and co-pilot. They took on the desert’s challenges in an IVECO Daily 4×4, navigating the tough terrain without external assistance. Their participation was closely followed and supported by IVECO Africa & Middle East official dealers for the Tunisian market.
Hichem Mechim, Area Manager for Tunisia, representing the Tunisian dealers at the closing award event at Hotel Plaza Thalasso & Spa in Djerba, shared his thoughts on the event. “The Desert Master 2023 was a fantastic competition and a truly attractive initiative for the market. It also provided an excellent opportunity for IVECO to demonstrate the off-road capabilities of our 4×4 vehicles. We hope this event will generate even more interest in the coming years and involve more of our customers,” he said.
The successful participation of IVECO in the Desert Master 2023 not only highlights the brand’s commitment to showcasing the robustness and versatility of its vehicles but also sets a new standard for adventure and environmental responsibility in off-road motorsport.
