October 27, 2005

An Isuzu D-MAX operated by Team Isuzu-Clay Regazzoni took first place in the diesel class of the 2005 Total Pharaohs International Cross Country Rally held in Egypt from September 26 to October 1. Managed by Isuzu Distributor MIDI europe s.r.l. since its establishment in 2003, this was the first international rally victory with a pickup for the team.
The Pharaohs rally originated in 1982 and is sanctioned by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile(FIA) as one of the legs in the Rally Raid World Cup. Total Pharaohs, which has become known for its demanding course through the Egyptian deserts, is considered an ideal tune-up for the world famous Dakar rally, which takes place three moths later.
Some 37 vehicles and 50 motor-cycles started their six-day ordeal on September 26 beneath the Sphinx and pyramids in Gaza. The 2,282-kilometer course covered a variety of terrain, including steep-sided sand dunes measuring up to 70 meters in height. The victorious Isuzu D-MAX, driven by Edi Orioli, crossed the finish line at the foot of the pyramids near Cairo in fifth place overall, as well as fist in its class.
With the impressive performance, MIDI europe now looks forward to the team's third entry with the Isuzu D-MAX in the Dakar rally this coming January.

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