Panda Raid 2017

3000 kilometres. 7 stages. 300 crews from all over Europe. These are just some of the statistics from the 9th edition of the rally event for historic Fiat Pandas.

From the majestic square of Puerta del Sol in Madrid to crowded ferries bound for Africa, followed by rolling Moroccan desert and dazzling Marrakech: this is the setting for Panda Raid 2017. A challenge between crews so expert that they are each able to choose their own route.
The historic cars have no navigation system, so the crews are reliant on compasses to reach the finish line. Practically the only set stages of the course are the start and finish points. The scoring system used to determine the overall winner takes into account the passing of all checkpoints (positioned every 50 km), and, in some sections of the race, speed. Aside from the support organisation, which manages the safety of the crews and the public, Panda Raid 2017 is essentially a free-for-all adventure in which unforeseen weather conditions and rugged terrain seem tailor-made to test the typical strength and adaptability of the competing Pandas.

Among the competitors in this ongoing challenge are two crews led respectively by two intrepid collectors of FCA brand cars and members of the Italian Fiat Registry, Vittorio Berzero and Riccardo Cristina. An industrialist and a dentist who, accompanied by their wives, decided to leave behind the daily grind and share their love of adventure and passion for classic cars on board two historic 4WD Pandas.
The competing crews are even cooperating in a solidarity campaign promoted by Panda Raid 2017, with each car transporting 20 kg of donated supplies directly to a remote Moroccan village school. What better way to combine passion for driving with passion for life? This is what you call an out-of-bounds adventure: from the streets of Madrid to the boundless deserts of Morocco and the bustling chaos of Marrakech — nowhere is off-limits.

Read the story of Simonetta Mazza, who took part in the 2017 Panda Raid.