The Lanzaroteans Luis E. Ferrer and Pedro Padrón have managed to finish in 40th position in the general classification of the XVIII Panda Raid, one of the toughest and most different editions in recent years, despite the numerous breakdowns suffered during the competition.
The test began in an unbeatable way for the team, which achieved first place in the first stage. However, although they went to sleep as leaders, they could not maintain that position in the following days.
First, due to operational problems with the new navigation application, and later due to various mechanical breakdowns that prevented maintaining a constant pace stage after stage.
Among the main setbacks, problems with the left-side suspension, the breakage of a strut top mount, as well as several punctures and the bursting of two tires stood out. Despite this, the team continued competing, although at certain moments they were forced to moderate the pace to avoid further damage.
In the sixth stage, they managed to regain good sensations, setting a competitive pace. However, after losing a few seconds in a forest section, upon reaching the finish line, they suffered the breakage of a universal joint on a driveshaft, which once again frustrated their aspirations on that day.
Finally, Ferrer and Padrón completed the rally in 40th place out of a total of 330 vehicles, after six stages of approximately 420 kilometers each, covering the route from Nador to Kenitra. This edition was characterized by especially demanding sections, with abundant dunes, stony terrain, quicksand, and numerous climbs.
The Panda Raid, which now totals 16 editions, has had the participation of Luis and Pedro on six consecutive occasions. In this adventure, they covered nearly 3,000 kilometers through Morocco, guiding themselves
solely by a roadbook, a compass, and large doses of intuition and experience.
“This year 2026 we went with great enthusiasm, premiering a completely renewed Panda, both in the mechanical and computer parts, with new applications and a different image. We were two
people in the cabin, full of enthusiasm and maximum concentration, prepared for any problem that might arise and trying to make as few mistakes as possible. The checks on Saturday were
perfect and already from Nador to the bivouac we started with stage 0, which serves as training, especially for those participating for the first time and thus familiarizing themselves with the roadbook, although the cold was already noticeable," said Luis Ferrer.
Everything promised well until the problems started in the following days: the application did not work correctly, we broke several suspension top mounts, a driveshaft from the gearbox, and we punctured two tires on the same day, all during the timed stage. But as professionals, we accepted it; we knew what we were exposing ourselves to.”
For his part, Pedro Padrón positively valued the experience: "We are happy with this edition because we fought against many adversities and, at the same time, we helped many participants, even giving spare parts so they could continue. The weather was acceptable; the further south, the hotter. We love the Panda Raid because every year it is different, and we hope that next year it will be even more so. The
toughness of the race and the camaraderie with colleagues make the difference. There is no participant who does not want to return the following year… and we are already checking the Panda."
Thus concludes the Panda Raid 2026: days of dust, effort, breakdowns… and of moving forward when it was time to push. A spectacular finish line arrival, on a bright day that put the perfect finishing touch on this intense adventure.
Luis Ferrer and Pedro Padrón thank the collaboration for the Panda Raid from Turismo Lanzarote, Lanzarote Island Council's Art and Culture and Tourism Center, Teguise City Council (Tourism Complex), Construcciones Lafugran, Repuestos ART, Nazaret Hotels, 4h Motorsport, Rest Mesón La Tierra, Electricidad JMK, and Asador de Mácher. And of course dedicated to a great bunch of friends and family.