Çakaristan Times, 1746
Bakuya Rally: prologue
The prologue of the Bakuya Rally, an epic fantasy version of the famous Dakar Rally, takes place in the vast and vertiginous Thul Marusthal desert, just southwest of the bustling city of Bakuya. Over a distance of 79 kilometers, the drivers test their skills and endurance in a challenging and unpredictable landscape of sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and sandy valleys.
The start is given under a clear, golden sky, as the first vehicles roar and kick up dust from the starting line. Cars, motorcycles, and trucks race across the sandy plains, while the desert wind poses a constant challenge for the pilots and drivers. The tension is palpable, as times and positions constantly change due to the unpredictable conditions and technical hurdles.
In the car category, Mahdi al-Rasul leads the race in his 1700X model from Dragon Racing Team from Çakaristan, with a time of 44 minutes and 50 seconds. Not far behind, Kadir Vaikar follows in his Jaap DesertGo, also from Çakaristan, with a time of 48:10. In third place is Pjetro Manetti in the Tigris Supra RS, from the Sanama team, with 45:55. The race features tactical overtakes and minor technical issues, as participants carve their way through sandstorms and natural barriers of the desert.
On the motorcycles, Veer Tutt from Horizon Racing in Hurmu sets the tone with an impressive time of 24:05, followed by Matthijasten Dansel-Groenbloem on the Hisson SpeedR 4. The motorcycle class showcases the agility and bravery of the pilots, who race at high speed across the sandy terrain.
The trucks form the heavy artillery, with Leyla Demir in her Qaghta Cheentee recording the fastest time of 51:15. The trucks skillfully maneuver between rocks and sand dunes, demonstrating the drivers' strength and precision.
The prologue ends with an excited atmosphere, as participants prepare for the upcoming stages. Every driver knows that this first test sets the tone for the rest of the rally, where speed and strategy will be crucial. The Thul Marusthal has claimed its first victims and heroes, and the race has only just begun.
Bakuya Rally, stage 1: Northwest of Bakuya
The first stage of the Bakuya Rally was a challenging and diverse 500 km test, taking place in the rugged Thul Marusthal desert and partly in the Khelaq Mountains, northeast of the city of Bakuya. The route combined sand dunes, rocky paths, and steep mountain passes, putting participants' skills and endurance to the test.
The stage began early in the morning, as participants prepared for a long day filled with technical challenges and natural beauty. The first kilometers led through the expansive sands of the Thul Marusthal, where drivers could quickly increase their speed but also faced loose sand and treacherous dunes. As the day progressed, the terrain became wetter and rockier, especially when the route entered the Khelaq Mountains. Here, competitors had to demonstrate precision and agility navigating narrow mountain passes and steep inclines.
The battle for the lead was intense. In the cars, Pjetro Manetti, driving his Tigris Supra RS, convincingly led with a time of 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 30 seconds. He managed to maintain his advantage through a combination of speed and accurate navigation. In second place was Mahdi al-Rasul in his Model 1700X, followed by Kadir Vaikar in the Jaap DesertGo. The motorcyclists also delivered exciting races, with Megaduta Adwani from Arkish Squadron recording the fastest time (3 hours, 50 minutes), followed by Marc Seraphina and Razdora del Bosque de Lanzas.
The trucks formed the strongest part of the stage, with Leyla Demir in her Qaghta Cheentee posting the fastest time of 11 hours and 45 minutes. The heavy vehicles braved the rugged terrains, demonstrating that strength and perseverance were essential.
In short, the first stage of the Bakuya Rally offered an engaging mix of speed, technique, and endurance, highlighted by an impressive performance from Pjetro Manetti, who crossed the finish line first. Participants can look forward to the upcoming challenges in the rally, as the battle for overall victory is far from over.
Bakuya Rally, stage 2: Monalan Mountains
The second stage of the fantastical version of the Bakuya Rally, known as the Bakuya Rally in the Thul Marusthal Desert and the Monalan Mountains, was a challenging race held over two days with a total length of 1,057 km. This leg, located south of the city of Bakuya, offered drivers a mix of vast sandy plains and rugged mountainous terrain, creating plenty of excitement and technical challenges.
Day 1: Desert Challenge and Sand Dunes:
The first day began in the expansive Thul Marusthal, where participants had to navigate through kilometers-high sand dunes and steep sand slopes. The heat and loose sand demanded not only speed but also precision and endurance. Mahdi al-Rasul from the Çakaristan team in the Model 1700X set the fastest time with 15 hours, 30 minutes, and 15 seconds, establishing a solid lead. Saurabh Misra, also from Çakaristan, drove his AMK-77 rally car into second place, followed by Kadir Vaikar in the Jaap DesertGo, who performed admirably in the technical sandy areas.
Day 2: Monalan Mountains and Mountainous Terrain:
The second day took participants into the Monalan Mountains, where the route traversed rocky paths, narrow mountain passes, and steep ascents. This stage heavily tested agility and technical skill. Motorcyclists such as Megaduta Adwani in the AMW rally bike and Marc Seraphina on the HexaRally bike demonstrated their mastery in this demanding terrain. Adwani posted the fastest time on day 2 with 10 hours, 35 minutes, and 20 seconds, ultimately securing overall victory in both the car and motorcycle categories.
This second stage showcased the route's diversity and danger, requiring participants to switch between the loose sands of the desert and the technical challenges of the mountains. It was a true test of speed, skill, and endurance, setting the tone for the rest of the rally in this fantastical world.
Bakuya Rally, stage 3: Bakuya to Aurangabad
The third stage of the Bakuya Rally was a challenging and intense ride through the Thul Marusthal desert, covering a distance of 845 kilometers. The participants traveled from Bakuya to Aurangabad, with the landscape stretching under a scorching sun, and the sand dunes and rock formations providing a grueling yet spectacular setting.
The highlight of the day was dominated by the HexaRally team, who, with their HexaRally truck led by Charlie Tharion, set an impressive time of just 03:30:04. This performance left all other competitors behind and set a strong tone for the rest of the race. It was a powerful testament to the strength and reliability of their vehicle in the rugged desert conditions.
Shortly thereafter, the first place in the car category was claimed by the Çakar Stallions, with Kadir Vaikar at the wheel of the Jaap DesertGo. He completed the stage in 03:15:30, making him the fastest among the drivers and strengthening his position in the overall standings. Mahdi al-Rasul from the same team followed in third place with his Model 1700X, finishing in 03:35:10.
In the motorcycle category, the victory went to Razdora del Bosque de Lanzas of Osthügel Racing, who covered the 845 km route in 03:45:30. He set an example for motocross riders despite the tough conditions.
The trucks were led by Charlie Tharion and his HexaRally truck, which, with a time of 03:30:04, not only won the stage but also clearly confirmed the dominance of the HexaRally team in this category. The competition between the different teams was fierce, but HexaRally clearly showed they were ready for the rest of the rally.
In summary, the third stage was a true test that challenged the skills, equipment, and strategy of the teams. The victory for HexaRally and the strong performances of the Çakar Stallions and Osthügel Racing made this day a memorable chapter in the fantastical and epic Bakuya Rally.
Bakuya Rally, stage 4: Aurangabad to Suryapur
The fourth stage of the Bakuya Rally was a challenging and exhausting 491 km drive through the Thul Marusthal desert, from Aurangabad to Suryapur. The participants faced a vast, inhospitable landscape known for its unpredictable sand dunes, intense heat, and limited navigation options.
In the car category, Pjetro Manetti, driving his Tigris Supra RS for Sanama, set the fastest time with an impressive 4 hours, 3 minutes, and 30 seconds. He was followed by Kadir Vaikar in the Jaap DesertGo, who finished just a few minutes behind him. Mahdi al-Rasul completed the podium in the Model 1700X. Xander Trentin on his Hisson RoverX secured fourth place, while Jawahar Vaikar rounded out the top five.
In the motorcycle category, Razdora del Bosque de Lanzas, riding the Osthügel Motorenwerke rally bike, posted the fastest time of 5:30:15, followed by Megaduta Adwani on the AMW rally bike. The rest of the motorcycle riders faced tough conditions, resulting in longer times and increased physical effort.
Trucks also participated in this stage, with Taiseer Kamal on the AMW-46 truck from Çakaristan recording the fastest time of 5:30:15. He was followed by Charlie Tharion on the HexaRally truck.
The desert ride demanded not only speed but also precision and endurance, especially considering the unpredictable dunes and heat. Participants had to carefully coordinate their navigation and strategy to stay in the top positions and maintain their chances in the overall standings.
Bakuya Rally, stage 5: Suryapur to Nidas
The fifth stage of the Bakuya Rally was a challenging and lengthy test through the vast Thul Marusthal desert, covering a total distance of 588 km between Suryapur and Nidas. The participants faced extreme heat, loose sand dunes, and rocky areas, which proved particularly demanding for the car and motorcycle teams.
The fastest car was Pjetro Manetti in the Tigris Supra RS from the Tigris Racing Team of Sanama, who completed the stage in 3 hours, 58 minutes, and 45 seconds. He managed to extend his lead firmly and maintained his position at the top of the overall standings. In second place was Xander Trentin in the Hisson RoverX from the Daau team, with a time of 4:00:55, while Mahdi al-Rasul in the Model 1700X from the Dragon Racing Team of Çakaristan finished third with 4:15:32.
Among the motorcycles, Razdora del Bosque de Lanzas was the fastest, with a time of 6:20:45, followed by Çakari riders such as Ahmet Yılmaz and Megaduta Adwani. The motorcycle race was particularly intense, with only a small margin separating the top competitors.
In the truck category, Taiseer Kamal from the Arkish Squadron team led the rankings with a time of 7:20:15, followed by Charlie Tharion and Leyla Demir from the same team and country. The trucks had to navigate through the tough conditions while covering the long distance.
Bakuya Rally, stage 6: Nidas to Chitkha
The sixth stage of the Bakuya Rally, a fantastical variation of the Dakar Rally, takes the participants along a challenging route of 829 km through the vast Thul Marusthal desert, from Nidas to Chitkha. This linking stage runs relatively parallel to the Pathaardesh corridor and primarily serves as an important connection between the different legs, as the participants prepare for the upcoming challenges.
The route is characterized by expansive sand plains, rocky slopes, and treacherous dunes that test the competitors to their limits. The conditions require not only speed and agility but also tactical insight and good navigation. The stage offers stunning, yet perilous views over the vast desert landscapes, with a golden sun making the sand shimmer beneath the blue sky.
The race is marked by intense competition among various vehicles and teams. In the car category, Jay Kaelen achieved the fastest time in his HexaRally car, belonging to the HexaRally Dominators, with a time of 03:45:10. He is followed by Pjetro Manetti in a Tigris Supra RS from the Sanama Tigris Racing Team, with a time of 04:01:22. Xander Trentin, driving a Hisson RoverX from the Daau Hisson Racing team, secured third place.
Among motorcycles, Razdora del Bosque de Lanzas set the fastest time in her OMW rally bike, part of Osthügel Racing, with a time of 05:45:32. She is followed by Veer Tutt on a Dirt bike M201 from Hurmu Horizon Racing, and Megaduta Adwani on an AMW rally bike from Arkish Squadron.
The trucks are led by Taiseer Kamal in an AMW-46 truck from the Arkish Squadron team, completing the route in 05:30:15. He is followed by Leyla Demir in a Qaghta Cheentee from the same team, and Charlie Tharion in a HexaRally truck from the HexaRally Dominators.
Bakuya Rally, stage 7: Apolloniae Genevae
The seventh stage of the Bakuya Rally was a challenging and adventurous leg through the vast Thul Marusthal desert, an area known for its expansive sand plains and rugged landscape. With a total length of 745 km, this stage was one of the longest and most demanding segments of the imaginative rally.
The route began in the south, just northwest of Chitkha, where the participants prepared for the trek through the arid and heat-resistant environment. The drivers followed a path along the ancient ruins of Apolloniae Genevae, a mysterious and weathered city that evokes memories of a lost civilization. They then continued northwest towards the historic city of Jeevitchinar, where the contestants could rest and take in the surroundings before covering the final kilometers to the finish line.
The stage presented various technical challenges, including sand dunes, steep hills, and narrow passages between rock formations. The participants had to not only maintain speed but also demonstrate their navigation and driving skills to overcome the difficulties of the desert.
The fastest time was recorded by Kadir Vaikar in his Jaap DesertGo, who completed the stage in 4 hours, 32 minutes, and 45 seconds. He was followed by Saurabh Misra in an AMK-77 rally car and Jawahar Vaikar in a Qaghta S. The top ten in the cars were mostly filled with participants from Çakaristan, highlighting the strength and experience of their teams.
In addition to the car and motorcycle races, the trucks were also in full action, with Taiseer Kamal and his AMW-46 truck posting the fastest time in this category. The rally continued to be a true test of endurance, technology, and strategy, once again pushing the participants to their limits in this epic desert stage.
Bakuya Rally, stage 8: Chitkha to Thakati
The eighth stage of the Bakuya Rally was a challenging and extensive route through the Thul Marusthal desert, with a total length of 733 km between Chitkha and Thakati. This imaginative rally stage offered participants an intense test of their skills, featuring heavy sand dunes, rocky terrain, and treacherous sandstorms.
The fastest participant was Pjetro Manetti in the Tigris Supra RS, who completed the stage in 4 hours, 58 minutes, and 33 seconds. This clearly set him apart from the rest. Saurabh Misra in the AMK-77 rally car finished second, with a time of 5:00:27, followed by Mahdi al-Rasul in a Model 1700X with 5:12:45.
On the motorcycle, Marc Seraphina from Hexarchy was the quickest, with a time of 4:30:55. He was followed by Veer Tutt in the Dirt bike M201, who needed 4:42:10. Razdora del Bosque de Lanzas and Ahmet Yılmaz completed the top five, with times of 4:45:12 and 4:55:20, respectively.
In the truck category, Charlie Tharion from Hexarchy was the fastest, clocking in at 5:28:15. He was followed by Taiseer Kamal in the AMW-46 truck and Leyla Demir in the Qaghta Cheentee, who took 5:32:25 and 5:45:00, respectively.
This stage was especially known for its extreme conditions and strategic challenges for the participants, who had to combine speed, navigation, and endurance to reach the finish line in Thakati.
2025 FMF World Cup: Daau vs. Çakaristan
The match against Daau took place at the Stadio di Astrumstra Regionale in Sogrado. Until now, the national team had not won a single game in the group stage of the 2025 FMF World Cup. The loss against Sanama was already a disappointment. The game against Phinbella was extremely disappointing as well. Nevertheless, expectations for a win against Daau were heightened.
The match began with five minutes of buildup from the Daau team, leading to an attack on the goal. Losing possession of the ball in front of the goal was the moment when The Green Tigers first came into possession. After an attack by Çakaristan, Daau launched a serious assault in the tenth minute. The ball narrowly missed the goal. In the twelfth minute, Çakaristan mounted a second attack, but it was not capitalized on.
In the twenty-fourth minute, Daau scored. A display of teamwork gave Luka Verbic the opportunity to score. In the thirty-first minute, Daau made another serious attempt, but the ball flew over the goal.
After halftime, it became clear that The Green Tigers were aiming for an equalizer. In the seventy-first minute, Anwar Ralte scored after the ball was stolen when Daau was dribbling it away from the goal. Anwar celebrated with a somersault, and the packed stands were ecstatic.
Unfortunately, the joy was short-lived. In the seventy-fifth minute, Daau scored again. Ilhan Fahmi, who missed a chance in the tenth minute, scored with a header from a pass by Shamal Nuar. This made the score 2–1 in favor of Daau, which also turned out to be the final result.
Bakuya Rally, stage 9: Thakati to Kalaghar
The ninth stage of the Bakuya Rally was a challenging 589 km journey through the vast Thul Marusthal desert, from Thakati to Kalaghar. This special stage was particularly notable for its extreme sand dunes, heat, and constant sandstorms that pushed the participants to their limits.
In the motorsport section, Kadir Vaikar, who previously secured victory in the seventh stage of this rally, once again distinguished himself with a solid performance. Although he finished in seventh place this time, he remained at the top of the leaderboard and maintained a good position for the upcoming stages. His team, the Çakar Stallions, with the Jaap DesertGo, recorded a respectable time of 02:45:12, finishing just behind the leaders.
The desert race was fierce, with numerous sandstorms and technical issues causing some participants to stop or slow down. Amir Khouri from the Dragon Racing Team, driving the Hixef truck, finished last in this stage. This marked his fifth time not finishing as the first, and he had to settle for the final position, which may cost him points in the overall standings.
The motorcycle and truck categories also saw intense competition, with Razdora del Bosque de Lanzas leading on the motorcycle and Taiseer Kamal at the top among the trucks. Nevertheless, the stage was especially memorable due to the strategic maneuvers and endurance required from the drivers to reach the finish under the harsh conditions of the Thul Marusthal.
In short, the ninth stage was a true test of skill, endurance, and strategy for all participants, further heightening the tension in the rally.
Bakuya Rally, stage 10: Kalaghar loop
The tenth stage of the Bakuya Rally was a challenging and exhausting 638-kilometer ride through the vast Thul Marusthal desert, a crucial western loop originating from the oasis town of Kalaghar. This stage was known for its rugged terrain, sand dunes, and sudden sandstorms that made navigation even more complex.
The day began for the top contenders among the drivers with an intense battle for position, as the heat and loose sand complicated every move. Pjetro Manetti in the Tigris Supra RS from the Sanama team managed to maintain his leading position through a combination of precision and speed, finishing after 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 41 seconds. He was closely followed by Mahdi al-Rasul in the Model 1700X, who crossed the finish line just a few minutes later.
The motorbikes demonstrated their agility with Razdora del Bosque de Lanzas from the Aemilia team setting the fastest time of only 2 hours, 0 minutes, and 3 seconds, thereby consolidating his lead in the motorbike classification. Matthijasten Dansel-Groenbloem and Veer Tutt finished in second and third place, respectively.
In the trucks category, Taiseer Kamal in the AMW-46 from the Çakaristan team was the fastest, with a time of 2 hours, 30 minutes, and 15 seconds, giving him a solid lead in the standings. Charlie Tharion and Amir Khouri followed in second and third place.
The stage was not only a test of speed but also of endurance and navigation skills under the harsh conditions of the Thul Marusthal. The numerous sandstorms and unpredictable terrain made this day a memorable and demanding phase of the rally.
Bakuya Rally, stage 11: Kalaghar to Thakati
The eleventh stage of the Bakuya Rally, a fantastical version of the famous Dakar Rally, takes participants 506 km through the vast Thul Marusthal desert, from Kalaghar to Thakati. This stage is known for its challenging sand dunes, treacherous steppes, and extreme heat, making it a true test of endurance and navigation skills.
The day begins under a clear sky, with most teams determined to strengthen or improve their positions. In the car category, Saurabh Misra, driving his AMK-77 rally car for Arkish Squadron, sets the fastest time, claiming first place with an impressive 2 hours, 5 minutes, and 30 seconds. He expertly navigates the deep sand dunes with precision and speed despite the harsh conditions.
Xander Trentin follows shortly after in his Hisson RoverX, completing the stage in 2:09:10. Pjetro Manetti, with his Tigris Supra RS, finished third in 2:12:45, indicating that the top of the standings is very close. Other notable finishers include Jay Kaelen in the HexaRally, who required 2:15:05, and Mahdi al-Rasul in the Model 1700X, who posted a solid performance with 2:17:55.
In the motorbikes category, Razdora del Bosque de Lanzas of Osthügel Racing leads the standings with a time of 2:12:17, skillfully maneuvering through the sand dunes. Matthijasten Dansel-Groenbloem trails at a considerable distance, while other riders such as Megaduta Adwani and Ahmet Yılmaz remain within three hours.
The truck category is dominated by Taiseer Kamal in an AMW-46 truck from Arkish Squadron, completing the stage in 4 hours, 30 minutes, and 15 seconds. He is followed by Charlie Tharion in a HexaRally truck and Amir Khouri in a Hixef truck, with Leyla Demir in a Qaghta Cheentee confirming her presence.
This stage highlights the combination of speed, technique, and endurance required to navigate the inhospitable Thul Marusthal. The victory in the cars cements Saurabh Misra’s position as one of the top drivers in the rally, while the diverse performances across other categories make the race for the overall victory even more exciting.
Bakuya Rally, stage 12: Thakati to Bakuya
The twelfth and final stage of the Bakuya Rally, a fantasy version of the Dakar Rally, was a challenging 286 km ride through the vast Thul Marusthal desert, from Thakati to Bakuya. The stage began under a clear sky, and the participants had to give it their all to reach the finish line. Saurabh Misra, in his AMK-77 rally car from the Arkish Squadron team, set the tone immediately with a quick start and managed to hold the lead firmly. He finished this last stage in 00:53:45, earning not only the stage victory but also the overall win in the rally.
Mahdi al-Rasul followed closely behind with a time of 00:54:14, securing second place in the final standings. Kadir Vaikar, in his Jaap DesertGo, finished third and maintained his position in the top three of the classification.
The motorbike competitors engaged in an exciting battle, with Razdora del Bosque de Lanzas in the OMW rally motorcycle posting the fastest time of 00:59:47. The motorcycle race was marked by sandstorms and technical challenges, but Razdora managed to stand out impressively.
The truck category was also particularly intense. Charlie Tharion, in the HexaRally truck from the Hexarchy team, recorded the fastest time of 01:05:20, crossing the finish line first in this final stage and providing a strong conclusion to the rally.
In the overall standings, Pjetro Manetti with his Tigris Supra RS emerged as the winner in the car category. He won 5 stages. In the motorcycle category, Razdora del Bosque de Lanzas won 8 stages, finishing with a lead of 02:51:37 and taking the rally victory. In the truck category, Taiseer Kamal, who was second on the rest day, secured the win with a lead of over half an hour.
2025 FMF World Cup: Mercury vs. Çakaristan
The national team's last group match was played against Mercury at the Stadio Henzelli in Savona. The team started strongly, dominating possession in the first fifteen minutes. In the seventeenth minute, Vanja Friščić scored the first goal of the match.
The third counterattack was a powerful shot on goal by Joe Foxon, captain of the Mercury national football team. This was blocked by Arun Kayal, but resulted in a corner kick. A header by Addey Hanbury, assisted by Joe Foxon, ended up hitting the post. Just before half-time, another corner kick was blocked and possession was lost. The Green Tigers started the second half strongly with an attack on Mercury's goal. However, it was blocked. In the fifty-third minute, Joe Foxon scored to make it 1-1. A second attempt by Addey Hanbury to score in the sixty-second minute missed the goal. But in the seventy-fifth minute, Joe Foxon scored again, making it 1-2.
A free kick following a foul by Joe Foxon, which caused team captain Rashid Sandhu to fall, was not converted and was turned into a strong attack on goal by Mercury. That attack failed, however, and a corner kick followed. That attack was also stopped.
Unfortunately for the national team, the score remained 1-2. Despite having more possession, the Mercury national football team proved too strong for The Green Tigers. This was Mercury's first win. For Çakaristan, it was their fourth loss, and the team headed home.
Tribute to the national team
"Someday...
Someday a billion dreams would become real.
Someday, Çakaristan will play the FMF World Cup.
Someday Çakaristan will score its first FMF World Cup goal
Its first FMF World Cup win
Someday Çakaristan will be the team to watch.
The team to beat.
Someday a billion prayers would be answered.
Someday Çakaristan will create history.
Someday...
Someday Çakaristan will become the champions of the world.
Someday Micras will chant "Çakaristan! Çakaristan! Çakaristan! Çakaristan!"
Someday...
Until that day we dream, we hope
But above all... we learn
Because that someday is not far away."
