Sensational second place for the MINI JCW Rally 3.0d at the Africa Eco Race
02/09/2026
- Christian Fémont celebrates successful debut in the MINI
- 6,000 km across 12 stages through Africa
An outstanding success for Christian Fémont and Gregg Docx in the MINI JCW Rally 3.0d: they finished the demanding Africa Eco Race in an impressive second place overall. After a grueling journey spanning thousands of kilometers through the deserts of Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal, Fémont reached the legendary finish line at Lac Rose in Dakar. With this performance, he secured a strong podium spot at one of the world’s toughest off-road rallies, which follows the historic tracks of the original Paris-Dakar.
The 17th edition of the Africa Eco Race started on January 25, 2026, for the first time directly on the African continent in Tangier, Morocco. The challenging route covered a total of twelve stages and a distance of over 6,000 kilometers through the diverse landscapes of Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal. Despite a difficult start with weather-related cancellations of the prologue and the first special stage, the race led participants across technically demanding gravel tracks and massive dune fields. The ceremonial finish took place on February 7, 2026, traditionally on the shores of Lac Rose near Dakar.
Fémont and Docx were competing in the MINI JCW Rally 3.0d for the first time. However, the duo quickly adapted to the desert racer and found an excellent rhythm. It took only a few days for them to join the battle for the overall victory. They remained within striking distance until the very end and ultimately secured a sensational second place.
Statements
Christian Fémont (MINI JCW Rally 3.0d): „In the first week, we focused on getting to know the car and the navigation system. The MINI handles completely differently from the MD I was used to. In the second week, the car’s enormous resilience became clear; it handles impacts that go far beyond what we could physically endure. We slowly worked our way forward and managed to win three stages. In the final days, we were fighting for the overall win and even held the lead for two days. Due to challenging navigation and competitors unwilling to make way, we lost the lead at the end. First place was taken by our good friends David Gerard and Pascal Delacour.“
Overall standings
1. D. Gerard / P. Delacour – MD Optimus – 39h 13m 24s
2. C. Femont / G. Docx – MINI JCW Rally 3.0d – 40h 42m 43s
3. V. Vroninks / D. Berghmans – VK56 – 41h 02m 29s
4. P. Van Pollaert / A. Pes – MD Optimus – 41h 13m 09s
5. T. Ourednicek / L. Bartak – Toyota – 41h 40m 37s
