Panda Raid 2024, in Morocco also the special #MafraPanda

In Morocco, at the Panda Raid 2024, more than 300 Fiat Panda's are competing on the dunes and sand tracks.
The #MAFRAPANDA, driven by Marco Mattioli and Mario Pensotti, is special thanks to its powerful Abarth engine... and more!

There are few cars as iconic as the Fiat Panda: its launch at the 1980 Geneva Motor Show marked a watershed among small cars. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Panda had unique features: its squared-off lines allowed for huge interior space compared to its small exterior dimensions. The simplicity of the shapes and the use of flat crystals made it possible to reduce production costs and sell it at low prices.

Inside, too, everything was designed for maximum practicality and functionality, starting with the seats, which were basic but comfortable. The mechanics were proven: the choice was between a 30-hp twin-cylinder engine and a 45-hp four-cylinder, already widely used by Fiat. Success turned the Panda into one of the longest-lived cars of all time: its production continued until 2003.

The Panda is the symbol of an era: it still enjoys legions of admirers and is the star of events with hundreds of participants. One of the most popular events is "Panda in Pandino," a mega-meeting celebrating the passion for this car in which Mafra offers participants a welcome kit.

In 2023 we participated in the Pandino rally with the #MAFRAPANDA, whose livery was the result of a contest that had gathered hundreds of entries. Another unmissable event for those who, like us at Mafra, love the Panda is the Panda Raid that has been held in Morocco for fifteen years.

The Panda Raid 2024: an epic adventure through Morocco

From March 2-8, 2024, get ready to experience a uniqueautomotive epic: the Panda Raid 2024. A 2,100-kilometer rally through Morocco, a multi-hued country where desert meets history and culture.

Seven stages chilling, from Almería to Tangier, crossing breathtaking landscapes: Mediterranean coasts, golden dunes of the Sahara, snow-capped peaks of the Atlas e historic cities such as Fes and Tangier. In addition to being a challenging adventure, the Panda Raid 2024 is also a solidarity event. Participants are invited to donate school and health supplies to local Moroccan communities.

All types of Panda and Seat Marbella, the Spanish version of the famous hatchback, can participate in the Panda Raid 2024, as long as they were produced before 2003. Some of the Panda's specifications, such as good ground clearance and low overhangs, also make it perfectly suitable for use on off-road trails.

The Raid regulations allow modifications to Panda cars to make them more suitable for the desert, but the cars must still be approved for road use. As many as 340 crews will take part in the Panda Raid 2024 this year . The route mainly covers the south of the country and winds through open spaces and over desert dunes, away from population centers.

The Panda Raid 2024 is a long-distance amateur rally that tests the endurance of cars and crews, involved in an old-fashioned adventure. Modern technology is unnecessary: all you need is a compass and the roadbook provided by the organizers to follow the route at your preferred pace. Rankings are based on scores that take into account navigation, passes at obligatory points and average speed in certain sectors. In the evening, crews sleep in tents set up under the desert stars in the bivouac equipped with canteen, bar, toilets, showers and medical assistance.

The spirit of the Panda Raid 2024 develops solidarity among competitors who help each other when a crew is in trouble.

During the day, the rally stages pass through breathtaking landscapes, boundless deserts and remote villages, offering participants a unique and unforgettable experience. The competition is only one part of the Panda Raid 2024, as the main goal is to experience an adventure ofexploration and sharing. Participants can enjoy the beauty of nature, meet new people and immerse themselves in the local culture along the way. The Panda Raid 2024 is not just a race, but a journey that leaves a mark in the heart of anyone who dares to participate.

The Panda Raid 2024 promises to be a thrill-filled adventure that will cross Morocco, challenging the tenacity and orienteering skills of its adventurers. On a route of about 2100 km, participants will face different terrains and challenges in a difficult but unforgettable journey.

Meeting in the Mafra Square

For 15 Pandas, the adventure begins from the Mafra forecourt. Crews are welcomed by our staff and will be given a special Welcome Kit containing a selection of Mafra and Maniac Line products .

Cristalbel -20: liquid for cleaning car windshield to be poured into the special tray. Concentrated cleaner suitable for all seasons, if used pure it withstands even low winter temperatures down to -20°.

Still Flu Universal Radiator fluid with triple action: coolant, antifreeze and antioxidant. Suitable for the latest generation of engines, it contains no nitrites, borates, phosphates and amines.

Glass Cleaner: glass cleaner that thoroughly cleans surfaces, degreasing them and removing halos, grease stains and pesky fingerprints.

Rain Speed: windshield protector that helps keep the windshield clean for perfect visibility at all times. The glass surface stays smooth for a long time and protected, water and road dirt slide off easily.

From the Mafra yard, the Pandas are loaded onto car transporters heading for Almeria, where they will be boarded to reach the Moroccan coast and begin their desert adventure.

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7 stages of the rally that the Pandas will face

- Stage 1: 346 km - LAKE MOHAMED > OUED MHAREG, This first stage begins with a fast section that immediately requires attention in navigation, as there are several forks that could lead off course. After the initial section, participants will encounter more challenging off-road terrain, with stones and sand that will test riding skills.

One of the highlights is a 7-km-long oued, which has varied terrain that requires careful consideration to proceed. This is followed by fast tracks through the desert, full of intersections and directions to choose from. The final part of the stage takes place in mountainous valleys. It is important to drive well to overcome difficult sections. Navigation becomes more complicated near the finish line at OUED MHAREG.

- Stage 2: 314 km - OUED MHAREG > BOUDNIB, this stage is characterized by a series of challenges beginning with a descent down vast slopes, then crossing oued and grand mountain formations. Participants must navigate near an old fort, an important landmark for correct direction. The slopes pass through white dunes, a different environment from the rocky terrain, where participants must carefully avoid the most dangerous dunes. Navigating is important at this stage. Crossing the wide oued with natural steps can be dangerous. Care must be taken with speed and angle.

- Stage 3: 225 km - BOUDNIB > MERZOUGA, starting in BOUDNIB, this stage takes competitors immediately into sandy oued and desert tracks. Navigation is particularly demanding, with several parallel tracks that can be confusing. They pass through oases and enter black earth oued, which have a different texture than the usual sand. The finishing point is near the great Dunes of Merzouga, a symbol of the rally and an iconic moment for all participants. The last part of the stage takes place in an oued with variable sand, which presents an additional challenge before reaching the daily finish line.

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- Stage 4: 200 km - MERZOUGA > TAFRAOUTE SIDI ALI , this stage tests the skill and endurance of the competitors with fast sections followed by technical challenges in a breathtaking mountain landscape. Cooperation between driver and co-driver is crucial, particularly when tackling small dunes and transits between valleys. It then continues on slow and technical mountainous routes that include stony areas and oued to be crossed with caution. A chott, or dry salt lake, introduces the most challenging part of the stage, which ends with spectacular scenery all the way to TAFRAOUTE SIDI ALI.

- Stage 5: 344 km - TAFRAOUTE SIDI ALI > KERRANDOU , the fifth stage is a journey through the vast variety of the Moroccan landscape, with new navigational and driving challenges with every kilometer. After open, uneven terrain, competitors encounter a dry lake that opens onto extremely fast parallel tracks. A complex oued tests the ability to read the terrain and decide on the best route. Black rock mountains and sand valleys are the last obstacle before arriving at KERRANDOU. Here competitors can think about the challenges they have overcome and prepare for the last part of the rally, about which nothing is known.

This journey showcases the beauty and diversity of Morocco, along with the driving skills and endurance needed to participate in the Panda Raid 2024.

- Stage 6: 469Km - KERRANDOU > MEHDIA, the sixth and final stage of the Panda Raid 2024 is a 469-kilometer route that begins with a climb to 2050 meters, offering breathtaking views. It then proceeds on sandy tracks through forests, requiring riders to juggle constant changes of direction.

Navigation becomes more complicated in the finale where one must follow the roadbook carefully so as not to get lost in the dunes and beach tracks, finally leading to the finish in MEHDIA. This stage requires expert guidance and precise navigation, culminating in reaching the goal of this extraordinary Moroccan adventure.

- Stage 7: 230 km - Fes > Tangier, the last stage of the Panda Raid 2024 will run along the Atlantic coast, with breathtaking ocean views. Participants will pass through the city of Chefchaouen, known as the "blue city." The stage will end in Tangier, where participants will celebrate the completion of the rally.

#MAFRAPANDA: An Innovative Prototype.

Mafra is participating in the Panda Raid 2024 with a special Panda 4×4 Van driven by Mafra General Manager Marco Mattioli and navigator Mario Pensotti. The #MAFRAPANDA is a truly unique Panda developed by specialists Enrico Giudici and trainer Mario Candela. Enrico Giudici is a driving ace: he has won 5 absolute Italian Off-road Speed Championships as a driver and 7 titles for self-built Group B Prototypes. His specialty, however, is the preparation of vehicles suitable for off-road use.

From a 1980s Panda, Giudici took all the original mechanicals and replaced them with those of a Suzuki SJ 413, a small Japanese off-road vehicle. From the Suzuki, Giudici used the frame spars, adapting them to the Panda's body. The original leaf springs were replaced by suspension with coaxial springs. At the front end, a rigid axle, also derived from the Suzuki, was fitted instead of the Panda's independent suspension.

From the Suzuki, the entire transmission was also used: the gearbox, the reduction gear, the driveshaft and the two axles. It can mount rims up to 15 inches, but for participation in the Panda Raid 2024 13-inch Fiat ones were mounted, as required by the regulations.

The Preparation of the Engine

The heart of the #MAFRAPANDA was put in the hands of Mario Candela, an expert in racing engines. He installed a 1400 cc 4-cylinder T-jet engine with 16 valves from a Fiat 500 Abarth. In addition, he upgraded the engine with an IHI turbine standard. A complete overhaul included replacing the pistons with forged parts WOSSNER, chosen for their superior strength and reliability.

The intake manifold of the Punto 1200 16v 80hp has been modified in aluminum. The oil pan was also adapted to the engine for the chassis of the car. The engine has a particular position that made these modifications necessary. Enrico Giudici worked on both parts to ensure a perfect fit.

Mechanically, the power increase was limited to 160 hp to preserve the gearbox, transmission and axle shafts from damaging overloads. An ECU was installed ECUMASTER BLACK to control the engine and turbine. The ECU was supplied by ACME of Castelnuovo del Garda (VR), which specializes in high-quality car preparations. The digital dashboard ECUMASTER ADU was installed to enable accurate monitoring during the most critical phases of the competition. Engine mapping was optimized by Spark Plug for 95 octane gasoline, a design choice to ensure good performance with different types of fuel even abroad.

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With team number 230, #MAFRAPANDA is ready to plow the sands of the Panda Raid 2024, to be heldMarch 1-9 in Morocco. This event will be the ideal stage to demonstrate the dexterity and robustness of this extraordinary vehicle, the result of Italian engineering and passion.

Follow us on Mafra's social channels to be part of #MAFRAPANDA 's exciting adventures across the Moroccan desert during the Panda Raid 2024. Support Mafra team number 230 and be swept away by our enthusiasm for discovery and adventure.

For real-time updates, exclusive photos, and behind-the-scenes coverage of each leg of the race, follow the hashtag #MAFRAPANDA. Together, we'll make the #MAFRAPANDA not just a race car, but a Panda Raid legend.