Couple with driving ambition bid 
to conquer challenge of Sahara

Mark Ratcliffe and his partner Nikki Finch will drive one of 14 Hummers across breath-taking scenery and fiery sand dunes, navigating rocky gorges and fording spectacular rivers to compete for the Conti4x4trophy.

The couple from Cross Hills in North Yorkshire took top place in a competition run over 12 weeks and were one of 28 pairs of drivers invited to a qualifying event at the Land Rover test track, where their skills and aptitude were tested.

There they had to demonstrate their off-road driving ability and a range of other skills before being selected as one of 14 teams for the final.

Mr Ratcliffe, 50, said: “We really can’t wait to start the challenge. We are looking forward to getting to know the other competitors, seeing Morocco and creating some fantastic memories.”

The six day trip to Morocco in September will see the pair fly to Casablanca before travelling on to Ouarzazate.

Nicknamed “the door to the desert”, the city is known for the many films shot within its bounds including Lawrence of Arabia, The Living Daylights, The Mummy and Gladiator. The driving will begin in Ouarzazate and competitors will navigate the difficult terrain during the day and be pampered at night in a selection of luxury hotels, with one night spent sampling the Bedouin experience camping under the stars.

Miss Finch, 47, said: “We’re looking forward to the whole adventure and being a part of the Conti4x4trophy 2013.”

This will be Miss Finch’s second trip to Morocco as a competition winner as she was in the winning team on the television show The Crystal Maze in the 1990s.

Peter Robb, spokesman for Continental Tyres, which is running the contest, said: “This is truly a once in a lifetime driving experience. Mark and Nikki can expect a real challenge. We’re really looking forward to them being part of an amazing adventure.”