KTM-UAE team get a new look for ADCB Desert Challenge

Dubai: The Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank-sponsored KTM-UAE team will go head-to-head with the visiting international KTM factory team, riding identical motorbikes at this week's 2010 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.

The team, which features Emirati, German, South African and English riders, will fight for the top positions during the international five-day race, which gets underway with the Special Stage this tomorrow.

"To have factory-prepared bikes for the ADCB team is a real privilege for us, and shows how committed KTM-UAE and the factory are to supporting local talent, as well as racing in the region," said Tim Trenker, KTM racer and managing partner of KTM-UAE.

Mohammad Al Shamsi, an Emirati, will be the sole quad rider, racing a rally-prepared KTM 525 XC ATV straight out of the factory.

Al Shamsi is a successful endurance quad rider and is expected to do well in the 2,000-kilometre race.

Sponsorship

All four riders and their vehicles will be decked out in white with a new, fresh look in white with ADCB logos on.

ACDB is partnered with the KTM-UAE race team for 2010.

"ADCB's sponsorship of important and popular sports events is based on commitment to our corporate social responsibility and within the framework of our endeavours to serve the community we work in," said Dr Majdi Abdul Mahdi, VP, Head of Corporate Communications, ADCB.

Meanwhile, the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) yesterday announced a partnership with satellite communications company Thuraya and Nissan's 2010 Patrol, the official car for the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.

Nissan

The all-new version of Nissan's Patrol SUV, dubbed The Hero of All Terrain, has been specifically designed for the Middle East market with over 13,000 hours of testing in Arabian deserts and roads.

It made its world premiere in Abu Dhabi in mid-February, the first world premiere in the Middle East region by a Japanese carmaker.

Thuraya, one of the leading satellite communications companies, which offers their services to more than 140 countries worldwide, will be providing a number of its XT mobile satellite handsets and Thuraya IP terminals to aid communications and reduce response times in case of emergencies.

"This year, in a bold move, we have decided to forego the traditional radio system and instead adopt Thuraya's advanced satellite telecommunications technology to enhance the quality and reliability of communications which is vital to a successful event, and will also sharply reduce the response time in case of emergency," stated Mohammad Bin Sulayem, FIA Vice President and ATCUAE President.

"Thuraya is proud to support the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, an event which is of both regional and international stature," said Thuraya's Chief Executive Yousuf Al Sayed.

Leg three of the Challenge will feature a punishing 300-km or more Nissan-sponsored stage through the Empty Quarter. It is arguably the most difficult of the event, with competitors having to go through four passage controls, before finishing at Tal Moreeb.