René pays particular attention to details as his first goal is to create surprise and wonder.

"When we choose the route of a special stage, we have to keep in mind a certain balance. Between mileage, difficulties of the terrain and navigation, the balance must be very precise.
Regarding Morocco, we have to master an additional difficulty, try to offer a maximum of renewal. Morocco is a country where many races are organised and for competitors, it is essential that we can still surprise them. The recos of this part of the route takes a little longer than, for example, in Mauritania, where the area offers many possibilities.
But in Mauritania, we also have to maintain the right balance. Between sand sea and dune fields, we don't want to be faced with so huge difficulties that it will be impossible to cross or create too fast stages. Each competitor must be able to race at his own pace, but no question to turn the race in a too easy "drive." The Africa Eco Race is a rally, a real race where the time makes the difference. Moreover, for those who don’t feel really comfortable with the race, we created the « raid » which takes part of the race route but where there is no concept of speed.