I feel that the real drama of this challenge is not standing on the start line of the 14,000 km Peking to Paris Motor Challenge 2023 itself, but every single day between now and then that is building the story.
The last warm-up, England’s Summer Trial, was full of its own drama, tears and laughter both. Do take your time and have a look.
That last rally was also a test run for the car’s condition, ahead of the 14,000 km. Getting to a huge challenge takes preparing one piece at a time.
It was only a tenth of 14,000 km, but I test-drove 1,400 km and finished it! The competition itself gave a result almost funny to look at, but that too became the seed of what to fix before next time.
And now — on to the second warm-up, the Sahara Challenge!
The ticket to the next stage arrived from the organisers!
This challenge, unlike the classic car rallying I have driven as a hobby until now, has felt more like setting out to climb Everest, or sail around the world alone by boat.
I have pushed forward on my own strength for five years, and with less than a year left now, I am moving forward one step at a time, carried by a great deal of strong support and encouragement from everyone.
My heartfelt thanks.
This time, from 13 to 30 September 2022, it starts in Málaga, Spain, crosses Morocco, and returns to Spain over twelve days — a 4,000 km route.
Longer and more punishing than the last one, it will bring a new set of challenges to face. I will build a new story and share it with you — look forward to it!
Moving forward one step at a time without giving up is thanks to every one of you, whether or not you care about motorsport itself, who resonate with why I drive and back me across every field.
I would love as many people as possible to know, once again, why I drive. Thank you for your support.
