Despres and Sunderland set the early pace in Abu Dhabi

SPO_190331-Cyril-Despres_MS-1554042498980 — Cyril Despres and Sam Sunderland emerged as the early pacesetters in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. Image Credit: Supplied

Abu Dhabi: Cyril Despres and Sam Sunderland emerged as the early pacesetters in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge as a heavy sandstorm turned the opening leg into a battle for survival.

High winds churning up a wall of sand made visibility a constant problem as the 262km Yas Marina Circuit Stage wound its way through the dunes towards its conclusion at the bivouac, the rally’s desert base for the next four days on the fringe of the Rub Al Khali.

Partnered by Spain’s Daniel Oliveras in a Mini John Cooper Works Buggy, Frenchman Despres, a five-time ADDC bikes winner, made a positive start in pursuit of his first cars triumph at his second attempt on four wheels.

He completed the stage holding an advantage of five minutes and 45 seconds over Dutchman Bernhard Ten Brinke and Belgian co-driver Tom Colsoul in a Toyota Hilux Overdrive.

Chasing a sixth cars victory, eight years after his last and this time with wife and former rally star Andrea as co-driver, Stephane Peterhansel was just 1:58 further away in third in a Mini John Cooper Works Rally.

The conditions were particularly tough on the 33 bike and quads riders.

Sunderland, the 2017 Desert Challenge and Dakar Rally winner, produced a hugely impressive performance to lead by 6:09 from Andrew Short, the Texan quickly making an impact in cross country rallying after a rock star career in American Supercross and Motocross.

Chile’s Jose Cornejo was 37 seconds away in third with another young rising star, Argentine Luciano Benavides, 2:21 further behind, just ahead of elder brother Kevin.

“It was a day when we saw just how tough and demanding the Desert Challenge can be,” said Mohammad Bin Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE and FIA Vice-President for Sport.

Reaching the end of the stage, Despres said: “It has been a long time since I started a stage with a storm and strong winds as we had here today. I could not see the crest of the dunes easily. It was challenging.

“This was our first mission with new co-driver Daniel and we are getting to know each other. Also, I am not used to the desert you have here in Abu Dhabi, I need to get back and learn how to read the tracks much better.”