Dubai: Nissan Middle East and the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) have announced a new three-year partnership agreement to support the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, underlining a dual commitment to continue raising the event’s profile on the world stage.
Samir Cherfan, Managing Director, Nissan Middle East, and Mohammad Bin Sulayem, President of the ATCUAE and founder of the event, signed the agreement for the 25th edition of the rally, which will take place from March 27 to April 2.
The 2015 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge powered by Nissan sees the Patrol positioned for the 12th year as the official vehicle of the event. The event will signify the second round of this year’s FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies.
Cherfan said: “The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is one of the most prominent desert rallies in the world and we are delighted to be named the title sponsor for the next three years. Our heritage in regional motorsports is anchored to both the Nissan Patrol and the Desert Challenge after being involved in the last 11 editions.
“We will not only be supporting the event, but also for another year we are competing with our own Nissan Patrol entrant driven by Emil Khneisser, who won the Challenge last year.”
Taking place under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is also the first round of the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship for bikes and quads.
“Nissan has become an invaluable partner in our work to promote and develop the Desert Challenge, and I’m pleased to extend this relationship for the next three years so that we can increase the event’s exposure in the future,” said Bin Sulayem, the FIA Vice-President.
“Nissan Middle East shares our enthusiasm for the Desert Challenge, as well as our commitment to its long-term success, and I’m confident this partnership will guarantee that the event continues to set the standard in the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies.”
More than 100 drivers and riders from around the world will tackle the 25th Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.
The action begins on Saturday, March 28 with a super special spectator stage at Yas Marina Circuit, which is also the finishing point for the rally on April 2 following five days of cross-country rallying.
