The Africa Eco Race has formed a partnership with RBI Sport’s Fenix Rally. Those who enter both races can earn special benefits like “dedicated entry fee conditions”, among others that both organizations plan to reveal in the future.

Taking place in Tunisia, the Fenix Rally is one of three events put on by RBI Sport alongside Baja Europe and Rallye Breslau. Unlike those other two, Fenix is a desert rally in Africa.

Starting in 2026, Fenix will also be held in tandem with the L’Oasis L’Original run by Gilles Girousse. L’Oasis will also give benefits to those who run it as well as the Africa Eco Race Historic.

“This collaboration is a natural step forward for two events that already share the same philosophy,” said RBI boss Alexander Kovatchev. “Fenix Rally and Africa Eco Race are connected by a common spirit of adventure, passion, and respect for the essence of rally raid. Together, we are creating a clear and meaningful pathway for competitors—from their first experience in the desert to the ultimate African challenge. More than a partnership, this is a natural connection built on a common vision of what rallying truly represents: not just competition, but people, landscapes, and the journey itself.

“My long-standing and deep relationship with Jean-Louis Schlesser and Gilles Girousse, as well as the new sense of alignment in vision and passion with Anthony Schlesser, together with the respect I have for them as individuals, have naturally led me to this collaboration.”

While further details of the partnership were not immediately disclosed, both encourage racers to run the Fenix Rally in October to prepare for the Africa Eco Race come January.

Kovatchev and Jean-Louis Schlesser used to work together as part of the FIA Cross-Country Rally Commission. Girousse, who created the L’Oasis L’Original Classic in 2023, and his team competed in the 2026 Africa Eco Race Historic and will take part in the 2027 edition.

“L’Oasis L’Original Rallye is one of the rare rally raid events still run against the clock,” Girousse commented. “After three years in Morocco, this year it will take place in Tunisia. A partnership with the Fenix Rally has been finalized: seven days of racing and more than 2,200 km of special stages.

“In addition, an agreement with the renowned Africa Eco Race, together with Fenix Rally and L’Oasis, will allow us to offer special rates and significant benefits to our respective winners. A shared spirit of passion among enthusiasts made this agreement possible and, above all, drives us to pursue our dreams to the very end.”

Featured image credit: RBI Media