Rabat, Morocco – The International Motorcycle Rally of Morocco turned into a human tragedy on Friday after Portuguese rider Jorge Brandão died in a horrific accident during the fifth stage of the race.
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Which took place in the middle of the desert sand dunes of southern Morocco.
According to sources from the Old Friends Rally team, which Brandao represented, the accident occurred just two kilometers from the end of the stage, which spanned 216 kilometers.
Brandao’s motorcycle flipped over, causing him to fall heavily onto the sand, sustaining severe injuries that led to his death at the age of 46.
Urgent ambulance… but to no avail
The race’s medical team quickly intervened, arriving at the accident site in an equipped helicopter. They provided first aid to the driver before airlifting him to Erfoud Hospital.
However, Brandao passed away there at 1:55 p.m. local time, the race’s organizing committee announced in an official statement.
A short but passionate post
Jorge Brandao, a well-known businessman in his country, was participating in the Rally du Maroc for the second time. This followed his debut in the 2025 Dakar Rally, where he expressed his desire to continue the challenge and adventure of desert rallies.
He was scheduled to participate in the 2026 Dakar Rally with the same team, but his death overtook him during one of the most challenging stages of the Morocco Rally.
Shock in rallying circles
The news of the Portuguese driver’s death sparked a wave of deep sadness among his teammates, racers, and organizers. Several teams and sporting bodies expressed their condolences to his family and team, in addition to praising his adventurous spirit.
The Rally du Maroc organizing committee said in a statement: “We express our deep sorrow over the passing of Jorge Brandao, and offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and team. He was a passionate racer and a model of sporting discipline.”
