AFTER an intriguing three days in Naiman Province, Inner Mongolia, the promotional event for the all-women Gazelles Morocco China car rally, which received plenty of praise from participants, wrapped up.
Among those who were present include Kiera Chaplin, granddaughter of film icon Charlie Chaplin, and Jazmin Grace Grimaldi, daughter of Prince Albert II of Monaco.
With the Gazelles Morocco China backed by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, which supports environmental projects, the duo teamed up to champion an all-electric car in Thursday’s opening stage.
Grimaldi said the experience was very different from what they were used to in Morocco but it was a really amazing opportunity.
“It was great to be out here with everyone and driving in this desert, there were definitely some challenges,” she said.
Chaplin meanwhile said she was happy to be part of the test run and visit a new terrain.
“There were a few things that we weren’t used to – that we thought would be easy and ended up being hard – it’s just like adapting all over again.
“When you get used to something you think it’s going to be the same but it’s not, you’re somewhere else,” she said.
Grimaldi sat behind the wheel to tackle the dunes for the first time in last Friday’s 4x4 stage.
“It was my first time doing four-wheel driving in the dunes so it was nice to be pushed into that, but also a little scary at times and challenging. I didn’t really know what to expect but I’m proud of what we did. We got through at least,” she said.
Chaplin said she was very proud of Jazmin.
“She did a great job because some of those dunes were quite steep and tall and impressive so you have to get used to it,” she said.
As hosts of the Gazelles Morocco China, the people of Naiman Province, including the mayor of Naiman Qi, Ben Ru, have been incredibly accommodating, rolling out the red carpet and sharing all their local customs and traditions with the drivers from 12 different countries.
It’s been a whirlwind of eclectic tastes, sounds and experiences for the teams who left Inner Mongolia last Saturday.
Founder of the event Dominique Serra said she was thrilled with how the week unfolded and happy she decided to expand the famous Rallye Aicha des Gazelles from Morocco.