Abu Dhabi, March 5 (BNA) The “Abu Dhabi Desert Rally” will take place on an exciting new global stage for cross country racing over the next five days, with prestigious international talent jostling for prizes in stunning style.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra region, the 31st edition of the rally carries an extra measure of excitement as the second round of the new World Rally Championship.
Maher Badri, CEO of the Emirates Motorsports Organization, said: “This is an exciting time for the event, and we thank His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his continued support as we celebrate the beginning of a new era for the rally community.” Rally organizers (EMSO) said.
“The continuous support and encouragement we have received from the UAE authorities over the years has allowed us to stage a very special rally, which is now one of the five elite events that make up the new World Championship, which has great potential for growth.
The Abu Dhabi Desert Rally is unparalleled in any rally raid in the world, with a unique blend of ruthless and unforgiving desert creating harsh driving conditions, coupled with first-class facilities and infrastructure, and an official home in one of the most advanced Formula One venues in the world. the scientist.
We have had challenges organizing the event for the second time in four months, but we have received exceptional support from the UAE government, strategic partners and sponsors. Without their unconditional and continuous commitment, the march would have been struggling to survive for four decades.”
A group of key sponsors and key competitors joined Al Badry for the official press conference, which was held today at Yas Marina Circuit, the official home of the rally in the UAE capital.
For his part, Saif Al Nuaimi, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit, said: “We are very pleased to extend our long-standing partnership with EMSO, and play our part in ensuring that this event continues to highlight Abu Dhabi as a world-class sporting destination.
“The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is one of the world’s leading international rallies, and Yas Marina Circuit is proud to have helped the event achieve an impressive track record of success.”
After Saturday’s 2km Super Special Stage for bikes and quads on Yas Island, the Abu Sahara Challenge heads to the Al Dhafra Dunes tomorrow morning for the first of five test stages, eventually leading to the finish again at Yas Marina Circuit next Thursday afternoon. .
The Representative Office of the Ruler of Al Dhafra Region is providing extensive logistical support to organize the event in some of the world’s most beautiful desert regions.
Today’s press conference roster included nine-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb, who made his debut in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, defending champion Nasser Al-Attiyah, and Stefan Peterhansel, who has won the event six times on four wheels plus one. two wheels.
When asked this week about his formula for success in the event, Peterhansel said: “There is always the risk of getting stuck in the sand or jumping, and crashing. If you always drive to 100% capacity, it’s easy to go wrong. For me, the number one priority is to spend some The time is in learning the dunes, and when you start to be really confident you can go a little faster. But always keep the safe side.”
Other drivers who attended the press conference were Emirati Yahya Al Hilli, who held his 100 percent rally record, Spain’s Cristina Gutierrez, last year’s T3 World Cup winner, American T4 defending Austin Jones, and Czech Martin Macic one of them. Leading specialists in the exciting truck category.
The list of top riders Sam Sunderland, who is chasing a third cycling title at the event, included Austrian defending champion Matthias Walkner, Chilean 2018 winner Pablo Quintanilla, and American Skylar Howes, a new force in the Husqvarna factory team. Kevin Benavides from Argentina.