Sun City gears up for world-class rally-raid action with W2RC heroes, Dakar icons and the ultimate test of endurance: Original by Motul
With just a week to go, anticipation is building as South Africa prepares to host the inaugural South African Safari Rally—a landmark event that brings the adrenaline-fueled World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) to Mzansi’s doorstep for the very first time. From 18 – 24 May 2025, the world’s toughest motorsport challenge will unfold across the rugged terrain surrounding Sun City, delivering 2,600km of high-octane racing, including a grueling two-day marathon stage.
This historic moment doesn’t just shine a spotlight on international rally stars; it’s also a powerful celebration of South Africa’s rich rally-raid legacy. Crews from Toyota Gazoo Racing South Africa, Red-Lined Motorsport, Century Racing, the Schröder WCT team, #TeamHilux, and Neil Woolridge Motorsport are among those set to represent the local motorsport scene on a global stage.
But among the headline names and factory teams, there’s one category that captures the raw, unfiltered essence of rally-raid: Original by Motul.
The Purest Form of Rally-Raid Racing
Known by rally purists as the ultimate test of skill, grit and self-reliance, the Original by Motul (also referred to by its French name, Malle Moto) category strips rallying down to its most authentic form. No team mechanics. No backup crews. Just the rider, the bike, and the road ahead.
“Bringing the W2RC to South African soil is a monumental moment for local motorsport—one that puts us firmly on the global rally-raid map,” says Mercia Jansen, Motul General Manager for Southern and Eastern Africa. “We’re proud to fuel this spirit of endurance and passion, especially through our continued support of the Original by Motul class. This event gives South Africans a rare chance to see their rally heroes in action—right here on home turf.”
Five elite riders have signed up to brave the unforgiving conditions of the OBM category:
- Benjamin Pousset (France) – KTM
- Matthieu Jauffraud (France) – KTM
- Florian Bancilhon (France) – Yamaha
- Jatin Jain (India) – KOVE
- Xavier Gregoire (Belgium) – GasGas
These competitors will be wholly responsible for maintaining and repairing their bikes each day—armed only with their mechanical know-how, a tent for sleeping, an environmental mat, and a Motul-supplied “trommel” (storage trunk) for spare parts and personal items. To help manage the mechanical demands of the rally, riders will also benefit from Motul’s on-site technical support team and full access to Motul’s premium range of products, including motorcycle-specific lubricants and MC Care solutions.
A Test of Man and Machine
South African rider Charan Moore, winner of the OBM category at the 2023 Dakar Rally, knows the intensity of what awaits these riders.
“Firstly, you need to have a very good mechanical understanding of how your bike works, because you’re the one who has to fix it if it breaks,” says Moore. “Your knowledge needs to extend across electronics, hydraulics, oil analysis, engines, suspension… the whole lot! The next critical element is being able to manage yourself and your immediate environment. Time management, body management, bike management, and nutrition are all crucial to success because fatigue is the enemy of planning.”
Global Stars, Local Legends
South African fans are in for a treat as they cheer on some of the sport’s biggest stars in both two- and four-wheel categories. In the motorcycle class, expect fireworks from Botswana’s Ross Branch (Hero Motosports, powered by Motul), looking to recover from a disappointing Dakar and Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. He’ll be joined by local hero Michael Docherty (Bas World KTM Racing Team), currently second in the W2RC’s Rally 2 standings after a standout fifth-place Dakar finish and a win in Abu Dhabi.
The car category promises just as much action, with a star-studded line-up including:
- Nasser Al-Attiyah (current W2RC leader and five-time Dakar winner) with navigator Edouard Boulanger
- Spanish rallying royalty Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz
- Veteran campaigners Nani Roma and Alex Haro
With South Africa’s top rally-raid outfits going wheel to wheel against these giants, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown in the bushveld.
Motul: More Than a Sponsor
“The South African Safari Rally will be a tough test for competitors, machines and the lubricants that keep them moving,” explains Taki Bogiages, Motul’s Head of Sales in South Africa. “At Motul, it’s never just about sponsoring an event; instead, we live it. The feedback we gain from our Factory Teams and the Original by Motul riders in these extreme conditions helps ensure we maintain our edge and keep pushing the limit of performance and reliability in Africa.”
