Abu Dhabi: Shaikh Khalid Bin Faisal Al Qasimi, Abu Dhabi Racing Chairman, will participate in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (ADDC) for the first time. The event is taking place from March 28-April 2 and is one of the most prestigious rounds of the international cross-country rallies.
Supported by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Shaikh Khalid will be taking part in the rally in Toyota Hilux, prepared by Overdrive with the expert Portuguese co-driver Jose Manuel Teixeira Marques.
Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge Rally, the Middle East’s first World Cup and World Championship motorsport event, celebrates its silver jubilee (25 year anniversary) this year. The challenging 6-day event, taking place on the exciting slopes of Liwa desert in the eastern region of Abu Dhabi, has attracted participants from around the world.
“I am very excited to be making my debut in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, I particularly like participating in international races hosted in Abu Dhabi. This will be an exciting new challenge for me personally, I am looking to gain more experience in this type of racing and see whether I will be participating in future desert rallies. The challenges of this event are two fold, I will have to compete with the regular participants as well as get used to the car and the pace notes,” said Shaikh Khalid Bin Faisal Al Qasimi — adding that they are delighted to have the support of Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “We are keen to provide support and assistance to the Abu Dhabi Racing team and Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi as they participate in this international event for the first time.”
The Desert Challenge kicks off on March 28 with a Super Special Stage on Yas Marina Circuit where the rally headquarters are, then the Abu Dhabi Racing team heads east to the Liwa desert with the rest of teams to compete over 5 days in special stages that were 1300KM length last year, the closing ceremony will take place on April 2 on Yas Marina Circuit as well.
