Combining adventure, solidarity, and pushing their limits, Esteban and Lucas—two third-year students in the Mechanical Engineering Specialization Program at the Aix-en-Provence campus—decided to take on the challenge of the 4L Trophy. Long drawn to this legendary rally across the Moroccan desert, they saw it as much more than just a trip: a powerful human experience, combining team spirit and humanitarian commitment.
Why did you decide to participate in the 4L Trophy?
We have decided to participate in the 4LTrophy because it’s a project we’d both been talking about for a long time. It was a real challenge we wanted to take on together: heading out into the desert, escaping our daily routine, embarking on an intense adventure, but also getting involved in something meaningful thanks to the humanitarian aspect of the expedition.
What drew us in wasn’t just the journey or the mechanical aspect, but everything the 4LTrophy stands for: solidarity, mutual support, pushing oneself to the limit, and commitment. It’s a unique adventure—both emotionally intense and deeply rewarding.
What role did Arts et Métiers play Arts et Métiers this project?
The school was a huge help to us. We were able to use the Fablab to produce various components, particularly by 3D printing parts for the vehicle’s interior.
We also received financial support from the Student Initiative Development Solidarity Fund (FSDIE), which helped us raise funds and move the project forward.
In addition to material and financial assistance, we also received support from many classmates, friends, and teachers. Some helped us work on the car, others helped us solve technical problems, and one classmate even provided us with a crankshaft.
Having all these people around us really helped us move forward more quickly and with greater peace of mind.
How did you handle your absence during the raid?
We were lucky enough not to miss any classes on campus, since the rally coincided perfectly with our schedule. On the work side, however, we used up all our vacation days so we could participate in the 4LTrophy.
How important was solidarity in your journey?
Solidarity was everywhere. Of course, it was evident in the initiatives carried out with local organizations, the 100 kg of food and supplies donated, and everything provided to the children and local communities. But it was also felt in the day-to-day interactions among the teams.
On the rally, we’re constantly helping each other. When someone is in trouble, others stop to help. It’s an atmosphere you feel throughout the adventure, and it’s probably one of the most memorable aspects of the 4LTrophy.
What has been your greatest achievement or your fondest memory?
Our greatest source of pride was a moment of profound solidarity. We had set out with two engines, since our main engine had been replaced shortly before departure, and we had kept a second engine as a backup. In the end, the rebuilt engine worked perfectly.
But in Morocco, a team of two women had engine trouble. So we arranged to give them our spare engine so they could get back on the road. This allowed them to finish the 4LTrophy. For us, this gesture perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this adventure.
Among our fondest memories are also all the moments of life shared at the campsite, the encounters, the conversations, and that unique atmosphere that develops among the teams.
No one succeeds on their own, and helping one another comes first. Esteban and Lucas
What lessons have you learned?
This experience taught us a great deal, both on a personal and technical level. On a personal level, it taught us to adapt, manage stress, take a step back, and make do with limited resources. We also learned a lot about teamwork, especially when sharing everything with the same person for two weeks in a very confined space.
On the technical side, we learned a lot about mechanics, anticipating breakdowns, and the importance of a reliable car. The 4LTrophy requires a deep understanding of your vehicle and the ability to react quickly to even the smallest problem.
What challenges did you encounter?
The main challenges were mechanical. On this kind of adventure, you have to take great care of your car, conserve its resources as much as possible, and above all ensure its reliability before departure. Contrary to what people sometimes imagine, the 4LTrophy isn’t just about desert trails: a large part of the route is on the highway. We covered 6,000 km in two weeks. So you need a car capable of handling very long distances, and then continuing under much tougher conditions afterward.
Even with thorough preparation, there are always unforeseen issues. On the rally, mechanical breakdowns are a reality: clutch cables, throttle cables, alternators, suspension… these are problems we see regularly, and we have to be prepared for them. You have to know how to react quickly, tinker with whatever you have on hand, and sometimes find solutions on the fly, without relying too much on the technical staff, who are already stretched thin.
Add to that fatigue, lack of sleep, the relentless pace of the days, the road, the dust, and the stress of the unexpected. These are significant physical and mental challenges, but they’re also part of the adventure. They force you to stay clear-headed, constantly help one another, and keep your spirits up, even when the mechanics start to wear down.
Why was this preparation important?
Preparation was key. We started well in advance. As soon as we bought the car, we took on the entire project. We worked on the exterior, the interior, the rear of the vehicle, and all the mechanical components.
We completely rebuilt the engine, added several electronic systems to monitor the car’s condition and assist with navigation, and installed all the mandatory equipment required for the 4LTrophy. We also customized the car to showcase our sponsors.
This preparation was essential, because without it, the adventure would have been much more complicated. Even so, there’s always an element of the unexpected.
Was it a challenge to come up with the money to go?
We knew from the start that we would need a substantial budget—around €10,000 to €12,000—to carry out the project successfully. In the end, we managed to raise between €8,000 and €9,000, not including the cost of the car, which is already a great achievement.
Finding sponsors hasn’t been easy in the current climate. Many companies simply can’t afford to support this type of project. So we’ve mainly been able to rely on our contacts, companies that have placed their trust in us, and the support of our loved ones.
If you had to do it all over again, what advice would you give?
If we had to do it all over again, we would do it without a second thought. It’s a unique adventure that helps you grow, teaches you a lot, and leaves you with unforgettable memories.
The first piece of advice we’d give is to go with someone you get along with really well, because you’ll be spending two weeks in a very small space, dealing with a lot of intensity, little sleep, and a lot of fatigue. The second is to prepare the car as thoroughly as possible and make sure it’s reliable above all else. Finally, you have to make the most of the experience, because this kind of adventure is rare and leaves a lasting impression.
For more information: @sr.racingteam on Instagram and LinkedIn 
The 2027 edition is already in the works… with Alexis and Lucas
The administrative procedures involved in establishing the association have been completed.
As for the car, the apprentices are facing a major undertaking, particularly with the complete restoration of the car’s chassis.
We are beginning to seek sponsorship from small and large companies, as well as local businesses.
“Our strategy is to reach out to as many companies as possible to fund the project so that they too can get involved in this humanitarian adventure. The total budget has been estimated at €13,000. We have also put together an application to secure funding from FSDIE, ” explain Lucas and Alexis, who are in their second year of the Mechanical Engineering Program.
Let’s wish them all the best: a successful search for a sponsor, a restored 4L ready to tackle any challenge and finish the race with a strong placing, and overwhelming support from the entire Arts et Métiers community.
You can already follow them on Instagram @4LIFORNIA_27
