Double Overall Podium for Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team at Carta Rallye

The Ténéré Yamaha Rally Team delivered an impressive performance at the 2026 Carta Rallye in Morocco, securing a double overall podium finish with Kevin Gallas in second place and Gautier Paulin third, while Alessandro Botturi came in fifth. The team also dominated the Over 450cc class, achieving a clean sweep of the top three positions. Over the seven-stage event, the Ténéré 700 Rally proved its mettle against factory Dakar 450cc single-cylinder machines, winning three stages and consistently placing on the podium, a remarkable feat for a production-based twin-cylinder adventure bike. Kevin Gallas stood out with a strong and consistent ride, claiming second overall in only his fourth rally raid. Having previously won the Africa Eco Race earlier in the season, Gallas demonstrated both pace and resilience, securing a stage win and multiple podium finishes throughout the rally. Gautier Paulin also impressed by finishing just over a minute behind Gallas, despite incurring a penalty during the event. Like Gallas, Paulin is relatively new to rally raids, and his rapid adaptation and two stage wins underscored his growing skill and confidence in the discipline. Alessandro Botturi rounded out the team’s top-five finish with a solid and strategic approach, overcoming early penalties to contribute valuable development feedback on the Ténéré 700 Rally bike. His experience helped the team maintain dominance in the Over 450cc category, where they consistently led every stage. The team’s ability to challenge and outperform purpose-built rally machines with a production-based bike highlights the technical advancements and durability of the Ténéré 700 Rally. Team manager Marc Bourgeois praised the riders’ efforts and the bike’s performance, emphasising the challenges posed by the diverse terrain and navigation demands of the rally. He highlighted the event’s importance for rider development and technical progress, noting that the results reflect the ongoing improvements made to the Ténéré 700 Rally. The team plans to continue its development programme throughout the season, building on the momentum gained from this strong showing in Morocco.