The Egyptian revolution is already showing benefits, at least to the 41 remaining crews on the London to Cape Town Rally. The Egyptians have done away with the need for a Carnet-de-Passage, which saves time and hassle having more forms stamped, and have also removed the requirement for Egyptian number plates. These two small reforms have made driving across Egypt a lot easier.

Day nine was the most physically demanding day so far, as the lead changed hands and many crews became stuck in the soft sand of the first desert section. All were grateful to get to the Red Sea resort of Safaga for a colossal buffet in the hotel before leaving to check into the ferry terminal at midnight. Rapid formalities by the Egyptian fixers soon had them on board for the night sailing to Saudi.

Everyone awoke to find the ship heading into the sandy shores of Duba, to be met by the Saudi Arabia Motorsport Federation, who have provided excellent support and encouragement. Cars were parked and the crews clambered onto ancient American school-buses to ride a short distance for immigration formalities.

Then they were set free on the coast road of Saudi Arabia, which was quite a moment – this is the first ever international rally to cross Saudi Arabia, something the Federation seem very proud of. 

After the hectic time in the Egyptian desert, this was a much more relaxed day with no timing during the 307-mile trip, and the first crews arrived at the end of the afternoon overlooking the sea at Yanbu to take advantage of the remaining daylight to check over their cars.

Day 11 sees a rare late-morning start, with just 213 miles to cover to Jeddah, where the crews will catch the evening ferry that chugs back across the Red Sea to arrive mid-day at Suakin, the rally’s entry to Sudan…and a much tougher few days ahead.