Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge to roar into life on Saturday

1.2003529-2603921942 — FIA World Cup leader Aron Domzala carried out a shakedown test at Sweihan before the start of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. Image Credit: Courtesy: Organiser

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge begins with a short spectator stage or Prologue at the Al Forsan International Resort in Abu Dhabi from 3pm on Saturday afternoon.

The section will also determine the starting order in the car, motorcycle and quad categories, before the motorcycles lead the international field into the first of the desert stages at three-minute intervals on Sunday morning.

The choice of starting positions on desert stages is important and strategy may come into play on the opening timed section.

“All our team’s efforts will be put to the test over the next few days and I take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and successful Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge,” said event founder and Automobile Touring Club of UAE (ATCUAE) President, Mohammad Bin Sulayem.

The desert action takes centre stage from Sunday through to Thursday in the UAE’s Empty Quarter, with the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge based in a bivouac near to the Qasr Al Sarab desert resort.

2017 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge — leading entries

Cars

201. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAT)/Matthieu Baumel (FRA) Toyota Hilux Overdrive

202. Khalid Al Qasimi (ARE)/Khalid Al Kendi (ARE) Peugeot 3008 DKR

203. Vladimir Vasilyev (RUS)/Konstantin Zhiltsov (RUS) Mini All4 Racing

204. Aron Domzala (POL)/Szymon Gospodarczyk (POL) Toyota Hilux Overdrive

205. Miroslav Zapletal (CZE)/Marek Sykora (SLO) Hummer H3 Evo VII

207. Martin Prokop (CZE)/Jan Tomanek (CZE) Ford F-150 Evo

208. Yayha Al Helai (ARE)/Nasser Al Kuwari (QAT) Nissan Pick-Up

209. Mohammad Abu Issa (QAT)/Xavier Panseri (FRA) Mini All4 Racing

210. Stephan Schott (DEU)/Andreas Schulz (DEU) Mini All4 Racing

211. Adel Abdulla (QAT)/Sebastien Delaunay (FRA) Nissan Patrol