Rodrigues bounces back with stage win but Price reclaims lead in bikes battle

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 5 April, 2016:  Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah is edging closer to his second victory in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge POWERED BY Nissan, but Russia’s Vladimir Vasilyev is refusing to give up his pursuit of a third successive cars triumph in the event.

Partnered by French co-driver Mathieu Baumel in a Toyota Hilux, Al-Attiyah won today’s 280km Al Ain Water Stage, his third stage win in a row, to extend his lead to 15 mins 19 secs from Vasilyev and Konstantin Zhiltsov who climbed one place on the leg in their Mini All4Racing.

Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi and German co-driver Timo Gotschalk in another Mini slipped one place to third, and are another six minutes off the pace, although the nature of this demanding event means it would be wrong to discount any of the leading challengers with two days remaining.

Poland’s Jakub Przygonski, Finn Mikko Hirvonen and American Bryce Menzies in three other Minis completed the top six in the second round of the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies, as the previous day’s wind and rain was replaced by more typical desert weather.

While a succession of competitors became stuck in soft sand, it was a better day for the UAE’s Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi, who put some earlier misfortunes behind him and rose two places in his Abu Dhabi Racing Mini to finish the stage in seventh position.

And it was a spectacularly much better day in the bikes category for Portugal’s Helder Rodrigues who won the stage after mechanical problems 24 hours earlier saw him plunge from contention and required the sweep team to return him to the bivouac.

With the top three again riding virtually in tandem for much of the stage, Australian first leg winner Toby Price reclaimed the overall lead, although his advantage over KTM team-mate, Dubai-based Sam Sunderland, is a slim 57 secs, with Chile’s Pablo Quintanilla just 18 seconds further away on his Husqvarna.

The UAE’s Mohammed Al Balooshi maintained his fourth position despite a crash on the stage, with Spain’s Txomin Arana Cobeaga and talented lady rider Laia Sanz completing the top six.

Veteran Dubai-based challenger Dave McBride maintained his ninth position in the opening round of this year’s FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship.

“It’s been another great day of desert rallying, and quite a contrast from yesterday when we had some competitors saying they were affected by the rain and cold temperatures,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club, the rally organisers. “You have to be ready for anything in the Desert Challenge – that’s the beauty of the event.”

Reaching the end of the Al Ain Water stage, Al-Attiyah said: “It was a good day. I got into good rhythm early on. There are some sharp dunes but the Toyota worked really well, and the navigation was perfect.

Vasilyev, whose co-driver Zhiltsov was celebrating his 51^st birthday, said: “Today was a good day for an Abu Dhabi race. We had a good rhythm and not a bad result. We started four minutes after Nasser so couldn’t catch him, but we made no mistakes, had no punctures, we didn’t get stuck. No problems so we are very happy.”

Saudi Al-Rajhi, completing the leg with a smile on his face despite losing second position to the Russian, said: “It was a good stage. I got stuck a bit once but it was fun.”

Al Qassimi commented: “We had a few ups and downs and some sections were very rough and took a lot to get out of as it was soft. But we got out and we made it here so it’s good.

Happy to have snatched back the bikes lead, Price said: “There’s more and more and more sand, but it was a good trip on the bike and I caught the guys ahead. It was a long day but a great one, and I’m always having fun.”

On completing the stage, Sunderland said: “After Toby caught us he led the way for most of the stage and we just had to follow him after that.” Quintanilla said: “I lost time because I opened the stage but there are two days still to go and there’s a lot of racing left.”

Top Emirati rider Al Balooshi revealed: “I was running really well until 218km, then I had quite a big crash. It was bad call from my side. I hit a boulder and bent my front wheel. After that I took it slow but still managed a good time, I think.”

Taking place under the patronage of H.H.Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western region, the 26^th Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge POWERED BY Nissan is organised by the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, the national motor sport authority.

The Nissan Patrol, the “Hero of All terrain in Life”, is positioned for the 13th year as the official vehicle of the event. The line-up of strategic sponsors and partners includes the Ruler’s Court in the Western Region, Western Region Municipality, Abu Dhabi Municipality, the UAE Army, Abu Dhabi Police, National Ambulance Service, Nissan, Yas Marina Circuit, ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Aviation, Tadweer (The Center of Waste Management – Abu Dhabi), Rotana and Centro Hotels – Yas Island, Qasr Al Sarab Resort, and DP World.

Leading positions after Al Ain Water Stage 3 (Provisional)

Cars

1. Nasser Al-Attiyah / Mathieu Baumel (QAT / FRA) Toyota Hilux                                    11:02.19
2. Vladimir Vasilyev / Konstantin Zhiltsov (RUS / RUS) Mini All4 Racing                         11:17.38
3. Yazeed Al-Rajhi / Timo Gotschalk (KSA / DEU) Mini All4 Racing                                 11:24.32
4. Jakub Przygonski / Tom Colsoul (POL / BEL) Mini All4 Racing                                      11:32.47
5. Mikko Hirvonen / Michel Perin (FIN / FRA) Mini All4 Racing                                        11:39.07
6. Bryce Menzies / Andreas Schulz (USA / DEU) Mini All4 Racing                                    11:40.17
7. Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi / Khalid Al Kendi (ARE /ARE) Mini All4 Racing                  11:54.55
8. Mathieu Serradori / Didier Haquette (FRA / FAR) Buggy                                                11:56.21
9. Mark Dabrowski / Jacek Czachor (POL / POL)                                                                 13:01.39
10. Nunzio Coffaro / Daniel Meneses (VEN / VEN)                                                             13:22.30

Bikes

1. Toby Price (AUS) KTM 450 Rally Factory 1                                             11:35.07
2. Sam Sunderland (GBR) KTM 450 Rally Factory 1                                   11:36.04
3. Pablo Quintanilla (CHL) Husqvarna 450 Rally Factory 1                          11:36.22
4. Mohammed Al Balooshi (ARE) KTM 450 Rally Replica                         12:04.33
5. Txomin Arana Cobeaga (ESP) Husqvarna 450 Rally Replica 1                 12:04.37
6. Laia Sanz (ESP) KTM 450 Rally Factory 1/3                                            12:12.24
7. Jakub Piatek (POL) KTM 450 Rally Replica 1/4                                       12:13.04
8. Pierre Alexandre Renet (FRA)                                                                   12:14.13
9. David McBride (GBR) KTM 450 Rally Replica 1                                     12:19.47
10. Jose Ignacio Cornejo Florimo (CHL)                                                       12:31.13

Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge POWERED BY Nissan – remaining rally schedule:

Wednesday:    ADNOC Stage 4 (258km)

Thursday:        Abu Dhabi Aviation Stage 5 (234km)

                        Finish: Yas Marina Circuit – 4.30pm.

The post AL ATTIYAH BUILDS AGAIN ON DESERT CHALLENGE LEAD BUT VASILYEV STILL CHASING HAT-TRICK DREAM appeared first on Core Sector Communique.

Focus the key as challengers take on spectacular desert of Al Gharbia for big five-day test

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 2 April, 2016: Three of Arab world’s top drivers are lining up to frustrate Russia’s Vladimir Vasilyev as he tries to underline his place in the record books of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge POWERED BY Nissan over the next five days.

Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah, the UAE’s Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi and Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi all want to end a run of seven consecutive victories in the event by overseas drivers, and prevent Vasilyev from becoming only the second man in history to win it three years in a row.

With the opening super special spectator stage completed, the event begins in earnest when the cars, buggies, bikes and quads surge away from the UAE capital into the Western Region of Al Gharbia tomorrow (Sunday) morning for the first of five demanding desert stages.

By early afternoon the survivors will reach the end of the 278-km Yas Marina Circuit Stage 1 and establish their rally base for the next four nights at the Desert Challenge bivouac, set up close to the Qasr Al Sarab Resort.

From there they will set off each morning to negotiate further competitive stages of 279km, 280km and 258km unwinding through the desert plains and mighty dunes of the Rub Al Khali, before a final 234km test leads the survivors back to the finish at Yas Marina Circuit on Thursday afternoon.

There is no easy path to victory in the Desert Challenge, and Vasilyev, driving a Mini, will need all his skill and concentration, plus the navigational prowess of Konstantin Zhilstov, if he is to match the hat-trick of wins achieved by Jean-Louis Schlesser from 1999 to 2001.

“This is a very difficult event to win once, never mind three years in succession, so the odds will be against him,” said rally founder Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, the event organisers.

“In his favour is that he knows what it takes to win, and that includes maximum concentration at all times. One mistake can leave you stuck in a sand bowl, and by the time you get out of it, your chance is gone.”

Al Attiyah, the last Arab winner of the cars category back in 2008, is seen by many as the favourite for victory this time alongside French co-driver Mathieu Baumel in a Toyota Hilux, although the Qatari was taking nothing from granted at the start of a 2,079km route featuring 1,329km of competitive stages.

Third seed Al Qassimi has returned at the wheel of another Mini in partnership with fellow-Emirati Khalid Al Kendi, and both will be hoping for better fortunes following disappointments 12 months ago.

Making his Desert Challenge debut last year, Al Qassimi was chasing a podium place on the penultimate leg when a broken gearbox put him out.

Exiting the event the same day had been more painful for Al Kendi, who was co-driving for the UAE’s Yahya Al Helei, fastest on the first leg, and had to be evacuated by helicopter to hospital with back injuries after their Nissan Pick-Up made a heavy landing.

Al Helei is in Desert Challenge action for the 26^th time, hoping to use his guile and local knowledge to outmanoeuvre the factory cars.

After finishing fourth overall last year, Al Rajhi wants at least a podium place this time, as does a driver he knows well from the WRC stage, Finland’s Mikko Hirvonen, who took fourth place in January’s Dakar Rally on his raid debut.

With Spain’s Marc Coma now retired after his eighth bikes triumph last year, Dubai-based Sam Sunderland has the chance to grab his first Desert Challenge riders’ title.

KTM team-mate Toby Price may have something to say about that, however, and while the Australian is taking on the Rub Al Khali for the first time, his Dakar Rally win three months ago make him one to watch.

Chile’s Pablo Quintanilla is also targeting victory after his third place 12 months ago, while top Emirati rider Mohammed Al Balooshi, the multiple Arab moto cross champion, is aiming to get between the overseas stars in his home event. Reigning world champion Rafal Sonik is pursuing his second quads victory in three years.

Taking place under the patronage of H.H.Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western region, the 26^th Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge POWERED BY Nissan is organised by the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, the national motor sport authority. The Nissan Patrol, the “Hero of All terrain in Life”, is positioned for the 13th year as the official vehicle of the event.

The line-up of strategic sponsors and partners includes the Ruler’s Court in the Western Region, Western Region Municipality, Abu Dhabi Municipality, the UAE Army, Abu Dhabi Police, National Ambulance Service, Nissan, Yas Marina Circuit, ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Aviation, Tadweer (The Center of Waste Management – Abu Dhabi), Rotana and Centro Hotels – Yas Island, Qasr Al Sarab Resort, and DP World.

The post ARAB STARS SET OUT TO FRUSTRATE RUSSIAN’S HAT-TRICK BID IN ABU DHABI DESERT CHALLENGE appeared first on Core Sector Communique.

Sulayem says study will give better understanding of injury threats to competitors

Dubai, UAE, 1 April, 2016:  Scientific research to be carried out during this week’s Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge POWERED BY Nissan will help to reduce the threat of spinal injuries to competitors taking part in cross country rallies worldwide.

The research will be conducted by the rally organisers, the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, in conjunction with the FIA, motor sport’s world governing body, and the Global Institute for Motor Sport Safety.

Up to 20 of the 62 cars contesting the second round of this year’s FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies, which starts with tomorrow’s (Saturday) super special spectator stage, will be fitted with accident data recorders (ADRs) to measure the amount of g-force that drivers and co-drivers are exposed to during the event.

The data will be used in tandem with the latest virtual vehicle crash simulator technology to design a new state-of-the-art driver cockpit safety package including seats that give competitors a new level of protection from the threat of spinal injuries.

“To begin with, the research will give us a better understanding of the cause and extent of spinal injuries that competitors can be susceptible to in cross country rallies,” said ATCUAE President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and President of EMSF.

“The aim is to lessen the threat of spinal injuries in cross-country rallies by creating a driver cockpit safety package using crash simulations with virtual reproduction of injury mechanisms.”

The latest technology will be used to detail analysis of bone fractures, severed ligaments, and other injuries that can occur during the kind of impact that cars endure in cross country rallies like the Desert Challenge.

“We want to know exactly what amount of g-force can result in a competitor’s spine being broken,” said Dr. Sean Petherbridge, the ATCUAE’s Chief Medical Officer, who will work on the study alongside a Global Institute for Motor Sport Safety engineer and a research specialist.

“The objective is to design cross country rally seats which do not break under normal operation but which compress to absorb the energy in high impact situations in order to protect the spine.”

The study will be the latest in a series of exercises carried out during the Desert Challenge in recent years which have established the UAE as a leader in motor sport scientific research.

Findings from research conducted by the ATCUAE during the 2012 Desert Challenge in conjunction with the University of Ulster, one of the UK’s top learning and research institutes, is now helping motor sport organisers around the world to combat the threat of dehydration.

Another first of its kind ATCUAE study into the effects of fatigue on drivers and riders in cross country rallying, carried out during the 2014 Desert Challenge, delivered a five-point plan to increase safety on events and save lives.

Taking place under the patronage of H.H.Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western region, the 26th Desert Challenge starts with a super special spectator stage starting at 3pm tomorrow (Saturday)  at Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi.

The Nissan Patrol, the “Hero of All terrain in Life”, is positioned for the 13th year as the official vehicle of the event.

The line-up of strategic sponsors and partners includes the Ruler’s Court in the Western Region, Western Region Municipality, Abu Dhabi Municipality, the UAE Army, Abu Dhabi Police, National Ambulance Service, Nissan, Yas Marina Circuit, ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Aviation, Tadweer (The Center of Waste Management – Abu Dhabi), Rotana and Centro Hotels – Yas Island, Qasr Al Sarab Resort, and DP World.

The post DESERT CHALLENGE RESEARCH PROJECT AIMS TO REDUCE THREAT OF SPINAL INJURIES IN CROSS COUNTRY RALLIES appeared first on Core Sector Communique.

ABU DHABI DESERT CHALLENGE SET TO LAUNCH CLASSIC ADVENTURE FOR POWERFUL WORLD-CLASS LINE-UP

Saturday afternoon super special stage brings rally to life ahead of dramatic desert action in Western Region

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 31 March, 2016: The eyes of the cross country rallying world are on the UAE capital again as the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge POWERED BY Nissan prepares to launch another spectacular episode of World Cup and World Championship action.

Taking place under the patronage of H.H.Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western region, the Desert Challenge is organised by the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, the national motor sport authority.

The 26^th edition of the event gets under way at 3pm on Saturday with a super special spectator stage at Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi, before the rally sweeps out into the Western Region of Al Gharbia to cross some of the most dramatic terrain on earth.

A powerful line-up of 166 competitors from 36 countries have assembled at Yas Marina Circuit, the rally HQ, for the second round of the 2016 FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies and the opening round of this year’s FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship.

Heading the 62-strong cars category are Russia’s defending champions and top seeds Vladimir Vasilyev and Konstantin Zhilstov who are aiming to complete a hat-trick of successive victories in one of seven prototype All4 Racing Minis entered.

A press conference staged by the ATCUAE at Yas Marina Circuit today was attended by sponsors of the Desert Challenge as well as the participants in the event in order to announce the launch of the 26^th edition of the rally.

“Once again we are indebted to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan, and to the Abu Dhabi government, for their consistent support over the years to make this an event known and respected worldwide,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the ATCUAE.

“We’re very happy to welcome such a strong gathering of competitors, support crews, officials and media to the UAE. It means a great deal to me, to my team at the ATCUAE, our sponsors, and the many volunteers who give up their time each year and work so hard with us to make it happen.”

Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit, commented: “Being one of the world’s most prestigious international cross country rallies, Yas Marina Circuit is proud to support The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.  Each year we look to play an ever increasing role, helping the ATCUAE ensure the rally continues to showcase Abu Dhabi as a world-class sporting destination.”

Samir Cherfan, Managing Director, Nissan Middle East, said: “The 26th edition of the Desert Challenge also marks the 13th year of Nissan’s involvement as strategic partner for the event. Nissan has a strong focus on motorsports in the Middle East and the Desert Challenge forms a powerful platform for us, particularly as it is regarded as the leading event in the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies.

“We look forward to continue our partnership and driving it to a new level. The Nissan Special Stage on the fourth leg, taking place on 6th April, will be arguably the rally’s toughest section, stretching across some 258 kms of the most testing rallying terrain available.”

Among the biggest rivals for Vasilyev’s driver’s Desert Challenge title are Qatar’s two-times Dakar Rally winner Nasser Al Attiyah, the UAE’s most experienced World Rally Championship contender Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi, Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi and Finland’s 2012 WRC runner-up Mikko Hirvonen. Sheikh Khalid is a driving a new Abu Dhabi Racing MINI ALL4 Racing which he will unveil after today’s official press conference when joined by Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

The host country’s 18-car challenge also includes Yahya Al Helei who maintains his 100% appearance in the event as the eighth seed, while his son Mansour looks to capture the T2 production class title for the second year in a row. Also among the top ten seeds is female German driver Jutta Kleinschmidt, who remains the only woman to have won the Dakar Rally following her 2001 success.

With 42 riders from 12 nations assembled in Abu Dhabi and a first-time bikes champion guaranteed this time. Last year’s runner-up, Dubai-based British rider Sam Sunderland, is the top seed, followed by Chile’s Pablo Quintanilla who finished third 12 months ago, and this year’s Dakar Rally winner, Australian Toby Price, who is chasing victory on his Desert Challenge debut.

Top Emirati rider Mohammed Al Balooshi, who has a succession of Arab moto cross titles to his credit, is seeded fourth as he looks to build on successive sixth place finishes, while multiple Spanish and European motorcycle trials champion Laia Sanz, among four female riders in action, is seeded sixth.

The Nissan Patrol, the “Hero of All terrain in Life”, is positioned for the 13th year as the official vehicle of the event. The line-up of strategic sponsors and partners includes the Ruler’s Court in the Western Region, Western Region Municipality, Abu Dhabi Municipality, the UAE Army, Abu Dhabi Police, National Ambulance Service, Nissan, Yas Marina Circuit, ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Aviation, Tadweer (The Center of Waste Management – Abu Dhabi), Rotana and Centro Hotels – Yas Island, Qasr Al Sarab Resort, and DP World.

Saturday’s super special stage at Al Forsan International Sports Resort gives spectators the chance to see the cars, buggies, bike and quads surge into action in a race against the clock before the rally heads off into the desert plains and mighty dunes of the Western Region of Al Gharbia. The event finishes at Yas Marina Circuit next Thursday.

Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge POWERED BY Nissan – Rally schedule:

Saturday:         Super Special Spectator Stage – Al Forsan International Sports Resort – start 3pm.

Sunday:           Yas Marina Circuit Stage 1 (278km)

Monday:          ADNOC Stage 2 (279km)

Tuesday:          Al Ain Water Stage 3 (280km)

Wednesday:    Nissan Patrol Stage 4 (258km)

Thursday:        Abu Dhabi Aviation Stage 5 (234km)

                        Finish: Yas Marina Circuit – 4.30pm.

The post ABU DHABI DESERT CHALLENGE SET TO LAUNCH CLASSIC ADVENTURE FOR POWERFUL WORLD-CLASS LINE-UP appeared first on Core Sector Communique.

Al Attiyah, Al Qassimi, Al Rajhi primed for victory battle on FIA World Cup stage

Dubai, UAE, 27^th March, 2016:  Two of the biggest rivals in Middle East motor sport will be battling against history, as well as each other, when they chase victory in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge POWERED BY Nissan next week.

Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah and the UAE’s Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi are seeded second and third respectively for the 26^th edition of the event running from 2-7 April, and both are highly capable of breaking a run of seven successive wins by overseas drivers in the UAE.

His triumph in 2008 made Al Attiyah only the third Arab driver to enjoy success in the Desert Challenge, and on numerous occasions since and before then he has been frustrated by the demands of a route crossing the dramatic desert terrain of the Western Region of Al Gharbia.

You have to look back to the event’s origins to find the other two Arab champions – the UAE’s Mohammed Mattar who won the first two editions in 1991 and 1992, and Qatari Saeed Al Hajri who took the honours in 1993.

Al Attiyah went into last year’s Desert Challenge as the warm favourite, having secured his second Dakar Rally win a few weeks earlier.

While he led at the finish, the Qatari was excluded shortly afterwards for a technical irregularity, and he returns to the UAE looking to put that disappointment behind him. Again he is partnered by French navigator Matthieu Baumel, this time in an Overdrive Toyota Hilux.

Al Attiyah and Sheikh Khalid have competed against each other over two decades in the Middle East and World Rally Championships, and their rivalry was extended to the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies when the Emirati made his Desert Challenge debut 12 months ago.

He was immediately on the pace, and by the penultimate leg was within reach of a podium place when his Toyota Hilux went out with a broken gearbox.

This time he will be looking for better fortunes at the wheel of a MINI ALL4 Racing alongside Emirati co-driver Khalid Al Kendi.

“This is a World Cup event attracting top competitors from around the globe, and it’s no surprise that we have had so many overseas winners over the years,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, the rally organisers, and President of EMSF.

“But Nasser obviously has to be one of the big favourites again this time, while Khalid showed last year how capable he is in cross country rallying. Yazeed Al Rajhi could also be in there fighting for the win, so the chances of an Arab driver coming through are good.”

Saudi Al Rajhi, the No.4 seeded driver behind Al Attiyah and Al Qassimi, returns looking to build on his fourth place finish last year in partnership with German co-driver Timo Gottschalk in a Mini ALL4 Racing.

The man they all have to beat is Russia’s Vladimir Vasilyev, winner for the last two years, who tops the seedings in the 62-strong cars category alongside Konstantin Zhilstov in another Mini.

Taking place under the patronage of H.H.Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western region, the 26^th Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is the second round of the 2016 FIA World Cup series and the opening round of this year’s FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship for bikes.

The Nissan Patrol, the “Hero of All terrain in Life”, is positioned for the 13th year as the official vehicle of the event.

The line-up of strategic sponsors and partners includes the Ruler’s Court in the Western Region, Western Region Municipality, Abu Dhabi Municipality, the UAE Army, Abu Dhabi Police, National Ambulance Service, Nissan, Yas Marina Circuit, ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Aviation, Tadweer (The Center of Waste Management – Abu Dhabi), Rotana and Centro Hotels – Yas Island, Qasr Al Sarab Resort, and DP World.

The Desert Challenge gets under way with a super special spectator stage at Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi on 2 April, before heading out into the Rub Al Khali for five days of spectacular desert stages. The event finishes at Yas Marina Circuit on 7 April.

The post ARAB DRIVERS BID TO BREAK RUN OF OVERSEAS WINS IN ABU DHABI DESERT CHALLENGE appeared first on Core Sector Communique.

Sulayem highlights crucial roles of Abu Dhabi Aviation, ADNOC as classic desert rally heads for 26^th edition

Dubai, UAE, 16 March, 2016:  The world’s leading cross country rally drivers and riders are again shaping up to tackle the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge POWERED BY Nissan, and they will rely on a big land and air operation as well as their own skill and experience to survive one of motor sport’s most extreme tests.

Crossing some of the most demanding desert terrain on earth in the Western Region of Al Garbia, with competitive stages winding on for more than 250km across giant dunes, provides a huge examination for even the most sturdy competitors and rally machinery.

Equally, the event presents a major logistical challenge for the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, whose main priority once again is the safety of more than 150 competitors assembling in the UAE for the 26^th edition of the event from 2-7 April.

Dehydration and fatigue are the biggest threats, and more than 10 per cent of those who start will need some form of medical assistance as the Desert Challenge takes on the Rub Al Khali.

Playing a vital role, Abu Dhabi Aviation, the Middle East’s largest commercial helicopter operator, will provide the potentially life-saving aerial Search And Rescue (SAR) support for the medical crews who will be on permanent standby to be carried to the aid of competitors in trouble.

Another crucial link in the operation is provided by ADNOC, which has its work cut out to deliver more than 25,000 litres of fuel – aviation fuel for the helicopters and petrol and diesel for the cars, bikes and support vehicles.

In order to minimise flying time and guarantee efficient rescue operations, ADNOC is establishing mobile refuelling bases in the desert as well as fixed refuelling bases at the bivouac, the rally’s desert base for four nights, and in Madinat Zayed.

“Without the support of Abu Dhabi Aviation and ADNOC the event could simply not take place,” said ATCUAE President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the rally founder. “For many years now they have helped us to ensure a very high level of safety for competitors, volunteers, and all others involved in the event. This is always our No. 1 priority.”

In recent years the ATCUAE has commissioned research to discover more about how dehydration and fatigue affects competitors, and been quick to act on the findings. Drivers and riders reaching the end of one of this year’s five exhausting desert stages will be able to recuperate in an air conditioned recovery unit set up at the bivouac, located close to the Qasr Al Sarab Resort.

Taking place under the patronage of H.H.Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western region, the 26^th Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge gets under way with a super special spectator stage at Al Forsan Off-Road Race of Champions Circuit in Abu Dhabi on 2 April, before heading out into the Rub Al Khali.

The Nissan Patrol, the “Hero of All terrain in Life”, is positioned for the 13th year as the official vehicle of the event. The line-up of strategic partners includes the Ruler’s Court in the Western Region, Western Region Municipality, Abu Dhabi Municipality, the UAE Army, Abu Dhabi Police, National Ambulance Service, Nissan, Yas Marina Circuit, ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Aviation, Al Ain Mineral Water, Abu Dhabi Waste Management, Rotana and Centro Hotels – Yas Island, Qasr Al Sarab Resort.

The post BIG LAND, AIR OPERATION HELPS DRIVERS, RIDERS, PASS EXTREME TEST IN ABU DHABI DESERT CHALLENGE appeared first on Core Sector Communique.

 Sulayem presents trophies as UAE’s world class rally reaches climax at Yas Marina Circuit

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 3 April, 2015:  The 25^th Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge POWERED by Nissan came to a climax with a glittering gala dinner and prize giving ceremony at Yas Marina Circuit.

ATCUAE President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Tarek Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit, presented trophies to the winners in all categories at the conclusion of the event, which was held under the patronage of H.H.Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western region.

The winners included Russia’s Vladimir Vasilyev, who captured the cars title for the second year in a row, and Spain’s Marco Coma who secured the Desert Challenge bikes crown for the eighth time.

Two trophies went to UAE competitors, with Ahmed Al Fahim taking winning the T3 buggies  category and fellow-Emirati Mansour Al Helei capturing the T2 production class cars title. Qatar’s Mohammed Abu Issa won the Desert Challenge quads crown for the second time in three years.

The Desert Challenge was the second round of this year’s FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies for cars and the opening round of the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship for bikes.

The Nissan Patrol, the “Hero of All terrain in Life”, was positioned for the 12th year as the official vehicle of the event.

The line-up of strategic partners included the Ruler’s Court in the Western Region, Western Region Municipality, Abu Dhabi Municipality, the UAE Army, Abu Dhabi Police, National Ambulance Service, Nissan, Yas Marina Circuit, ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Aviation, Al Ain Mineral Water, Abu Dhabi Waste Management, Rotana and Centro Hotels – Yas Island, Qasr Al Sarab Resort, Explorer and DP World.

The post GLITTERING PRIZE GIVING ROUNDS OFF DESERT CHALLENGE appeared first on Core Sector Communique.

World champion Coma grabs early advantage in battle of the bikes  

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 29 March, 2015:  The UAE’s Yahya Al Helei covered himself in glory today in the 25^th anniversary Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge POWERED by Nissan , outshining the world’s best drivers to take the lead as he extended his remarkable 100% appearance record in the event.

Partnered by Emirati co-driver Khalid Al Kindi in a Nissan Pick-up,  Al Helei won the 262km Yas Marina Circuit Special Stage 1 in impressive style to take a 1 mins 54 secs overall lead from

reigning FIA World Cup champion Vladimir Vasilyev, last year’s cars winner, in a Mini.

Brazilian Reinaldo Varela in a Toyota Hilux finished the leg in third, with Dakar Rally champion  Nasser Al-Attiyah, the UAE’s Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi and Dutchman Erik Van Loon completing the top six.

In the battle of the bikes, reigning FIM world champion Marc Coma of Spain once again looked in complete control in the desert of the Western Region which he has come to know so well, taking a lead of 1.21 secs from his KTM team-mate, Dubai-based British rider Sam Sunderland.

But Al Helei, the man who has previously contested the Desert Challenge 23 times in a car and once on a bike, was unquestionably the star of the day, despite a nervous last section when he was hindered by gearbox problems.

He reached the end of the stage to say: “I spent AED1 million to turn my car from T2 to T1 because I want to win this rally. The other drivers have factory cars, but I wanted to show that the most important thing is how strong is the driver, not the car.

“I had a good day, but for the last 80kms I had transmission problems, sometimes losing fourth gear and third gear. I was happy to finish, and tomorrow I hope for another good day.”

Making it an even better day for the host country, Al Qassmi produced a splendid drive on his Desert Challenge debut to finish the day in fifth place, showing that he has adapted quickly after making the transition from conventional rallying to cross country for this event.

“It was a great performance from Yaha, who has shown again what an accomplished driver he is,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, the rally organisers.

“It’s good to see an Emirati driver performing so well on this world stage, and it was encouraging as well to see Sheikh Khalid driving so confidently on his first attempt at the Desert Challenge.”

Coma was in commanding form on his KTM, and with defending champion Paulo Goncalves of Portugal more than four minutes further adrift in third, the Spaniard said at the end of the stage: “The first day has been tricky however everyone is excited and pushing.  I am happy and in a good position.”

Sunderland, who had been uncomfortable with his sixth place starting position on the day, produced another quality performance to say:  “I gave it my all to gain ground and catch up with bikers in front.  It was difficult but I pushed myself really hard to get there.”

Goncalves, who produced a brilliant final leg surge to win the bikes crown last year, said: “Today has been hard as I began fast so I could chase the leaders.  I then lost time when I stopped to help a competitor.  Tomorrow is another day and I need to remain focused.”

Portugal’s Ruben Faria, American Ricky Brabec and Austrian Matthias Walkner completed the top six, while top UAE rider Mohammed Al Balooshi again looked comfortable in the presence of the world’s top riders, setting the seventh fastest time.

Balooshi said: “I started the stage in third and stayed there almost until the first service.  I then  stalled and  Marc Coma passed me. It’s day one of four more long days. Anything can happen and it’s important to be smart and take it day by day.”

The 25th Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is taking place under the patronage of H.H.Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western region.

The Nissan Patrol, the “Hero of All terrain in Life”, is positioned for the 12th year as the official vehicle of the event.

The line-up of strategic partners includes the Ruler’s Court in the Western Region, Western Region Municipality, Abu Dhabi Municipality, the UAE Army, Abu Dhabi Police, National Ambulance Service, Nissan, Yas Marina Circuit, ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Aviation, Al Ain Mineral Water, Abu Dhabi Waste Management, Rotana and Centro Hotels – Yas Island, Qasr Al Sarab Resort, Explorer and DP World.

Provisional overall standings after Yas Marina Circuit SS1

Cars

1. Yahya Al Helei / Khalid Al Kindi ( UAE / UAE ) Nissan Pick up                        3:20:13.0

2. Vladimir Vasilyev / Konstantin Zhiltsov (RUS / RUS ) Mini All4 Racing            3:22:07.0

3. Reinaldo Varela / Gustavo Gugelmin ( BRA / BRA ) Toyota Hilux                     3:23:15.0

4. Nasser Al-Attiyah / Mathieu Baumel (QAT / FRA ) Mini All4 Racing                 3:25:10.0

5. Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi / Jose Marques ( UAE / POR ) Toyota Hilux               3:25:35.0

6. Erik Van Loon / Wouter Rosegaar (NED / NED ) Mini All4 Racing                    3:26:35.0

7. Harry Hunt / Andreas Schulz ( GBR / DEU) Mini All4 Racing T1.2                    3:29:25.0

8. Miroslav Zapletal / Maciej Marton ( CZE / POL ) Hummer H3 Evo T1.1 3:33:40.0

9. Marek Dabrowski / Jacek Czachor ( POL / POL ) Toyota Hilux Overdrive          3:34:51.0

10. Stephan Schott / Xavier Panseri ( DEU / FRA ) Minin All4 Racing T1.2           3:41:40.0

Bikes

1.         Marc Coma (SPA) KTM 450 Rally Replica 1                        3:12:54.0

2.         Sam Sunderland (GBR) KTM 450 Rally Replica 1               3:14:15.0

3.         Paulo Goncalves (POR) Honda CRF 450 Rally 1                  3:18:27.0

4.         Ruben Faria (POR) KTM 450 Rally Replica 1                       3:24:01.0

5.         Ricky Brabec (USA) Honda CRF 450 Rally 1 J                    3:24:48.0

6.         Matthias Walkner (AUT) KTM 450 Rally Replica 1              3:26:53.0

7.         Mohammad Al Balooshi (UAE) KTM 450 Rally Replica 1   3:27:04.0

8.         Pablo Quintanilla (CHI) KTM 450 Rally Replica 1               3:28:52.0

9.         Armand Monleon (POL) KTM 450 Rally Replica 1              3:35:00.0

10.       Juan Salvatierra (BOL) KTM 450 Rally Replica 1                 3:37:22.0

ACTION GUIDE

Monday 30^th March LEG 2

• ADNOC SS 2 (279 km): start is 40 kms north of Mizaira ADNOC gas station at Fodder Farm, on road to Madinat Zayed – first competitor starts the SS at 0800hrs.
• Photo opportunity at PC 1 (Underpass)(W/point N23 07.943/E53 17.936) Gayathi Road (E15) 53 kms north of the roundabout junction with Liwa Crescent road. First Moto competitor due at approx 0900hrs.
• Photo opportunity at PC 2 (Service & Moto refuel) (W/point– N23 13.901 E53 10.529 36 Kms up Gayathi Road (E15) north of the roundabout junction with Liwa Crescent road. First Moto competitor due at approx 0945hrs.
• PC 3, route crosses main road at Geyathi/Liwa roundabout (N23 00.054 E53 25.407) at 1105 hrs and route continues parallel to south of main road , running east, with occasional good viewpoints, before heading into the desert
• Finish SS 2 is on Tal Morib road, approx 17 kms south of main crescent road at 1215 hrs

Tuesday 31^st March LEG 3

• QASR AL SARAB SS 3 (272 km): Start is at 0730 from the road to Tal Morib, (N23 04.171 E53 47.364)
• 07:50, the first bikes enter the Morib sports complex from the Eastern end before departing over the dunes by the radio mast.

• PC 2 (Service & Moto fuel)  0940 hrs, at the Qasr al Sarab Old Bivouac2014 (N22 53.310 E54 20.466). The route enters from the dunes to the South and departs to the East
• Good viewing point at the Underpass 25 km north of Humeem, where the route passes from East to West at 1120 hrs
• Finish is from the West,19 km north of Humeem, over some spectacular dunes at 1130 hrs

The post YAHYA OUTSHINES WORLD’S BEST TO TAKE LEAD IN ABU DHABI DESERT CHALLENGE appeared first on Core Sector Communique.

 Odds against repeat wins for Vasilyev, Goncalves, Sonic as UAE’s classic desert rally passes three milestones

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 28 March, 2015:  Russian driver Vladimir Vasilyev, Portuguese bikes star Paulo Goncalves and Polish quads rider Rafal Sonic are all chasing their places in the record books over the next five days as the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge POWERED BY Nissan passes three milestones.

In the 25-year history of the event only three drivers – the UAE’s Mohammed Mattar in the first two editions, Jean-Louis Schlesser and Stephane Peterhansel – have successfully defended their title.

Since the bikes category was introduced 20 years ago, seven-times winner Marc Coma of Spain and Frances’s former world FIM champion, Cyril Despres, are the only two riders to have achieved the feat.

And if Sonic manages to complete back-to-back wins when the Desert Challenge finishes at Yas Marina Circuit next Thursday afternoon, he will become the first competitor to do so in the ten-year involvement of quads.

After the 25^th anniversary super special spectator stage which got the event officially under way this afternoon (Saturday) on Abu Dhabi’s superb Formula One circuit, the venue, and the conditions, for the rest of the event change dramatically as the 101 cars, buggies, bikes and quads head in to the spectacular desert of the Western Region of Al Garbia.

Starting at 9am tomorrow (Sunday) from Al Razeen, the 262 km Yas Marina Circuit Special Stage 1 provides the first major test for competitors and rally machinery on four and two wheels, finishing close to the rally’s bivouac beside the majestic Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort.

“It’s a very important stage because everyone wants to have a good start without running into any problems, and even for the most experienced competitors it takes time to adjust to the desert,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, the rally organisers.

“Winning the Desert Challenge once is tough enough, and very few competitors have managed to win it two years in a row so the task ahead for our defending champions is very difficult.”

Taking place under the patronage of H.H.Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western region, the 25th Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is the second round of this year’s FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies for cars and the opening round of the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship for bikes.

The Nissan Patrol, the “Hero of All terrain in Life”, is positioned for the 12th year as the official vehicle of the event. The line-up of strategic partners includes the Ruler’s Court in the Western Region, Western Region Municipality, Abu Dhabi Municipality, the UAE Army, Abu Dhabi Police, National Ambulance Service, Nissan, Yas Marina Circuit, ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Aviation, Al Ain Mineral Water, Abu Dhabi Waste Management, Rotana and Centro Hotels – Yas Island, Qasr Al Sarab Resort, Explorer and DP World.

Never before have a driver and a rider recorded successive Desert Challenge victories in the same year, so the odds appear to be stacked against a trio of successful title defences this week for Vasilyev, Goncalves and Sonic.

Among those aiming to block the Russian driver’s patch to victory are Qatar’s 2008 winner Nasser Al Attiyah in a Mini, Brazillian third-seed Reinaldo Varela and talented Saudi contender Yazeed Al Rajhi, both driving a Toyota Hilux, as well as last year’s runner-up, Poland’s Adam Malysz, in another Mini.

Making his event debut, the UAE’s Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi swaps his conventional Citroen rally car for another Toyota Hilux, while fellow-Emirati Yaha Al Helei looks for another big performance in the Nissan Pick up he took to fourth place last year.

Goncalves produced a brilliant surge on the final stage last year to overhaul Coma and deny him an eighth Desert Challenge bikes crown, and the Spaniard is determined not to lose out again.

However, he could also come under pressure this time from Spain’s Joan Barreda Bort, Goncalves’s Honda buddy, as well as his own KTM team-mates, Dubai-based Sam Sunderland and Portugal’s Ruben Faria.

The biggest threat to FIM world champion Sonik in the battle of the quads could come from Qatar’s 2013 winner Mohammed Abu Issa.

Sunday’s Action Guide

• Yas Marina Circuit SS 1 (262 km): Starts at 09:00 from Razeen, 50 kms south of Al Faya
• Arjan – Route crosses the Al Dhafra road (through underpasses to N and S of the Arjan mast. (Approx 22 kms south of the Rainbow museum – approx 09:25hrs.
• SS 1 Service at PC 1 (W/point N23 35.125/E54 33.390) is on the pipeline. Access from Al Dhafrah road near ADNOC, at White Sands grocery store. This store is 62.60km south after leaving the coastal highway (E11) at Exit 306. Access is via a 18 kms of hard track, First Moto competitor due at approximately 1015hrs.
• PC 3 – (N23 20.060 E54 23.345) close to Al Dhafra road on East Side. Approx 11:00hrs
• Yas Marina Circuit SS 1 Finish (Waypoint N23 07.556 E54 18.942)– on West side of Al Dhafra road approx 19 kms north of Hameem – first competitor due at approximately 1215hrs.

Monday’s Action Guide

• ADNOC SS 2 (279 km): start is 40 kms north of Mizaira ADNOC gas station at Fodder Farm, on road to Madinat Zayed – first competitor starts the SS at 0800hrs.
• Photo opportunity at PC 1 (Underpass)(W/point N23 07.943/E53 17.936) Gayathi Road (E15) 53 kms north of the roundabout junction with Liwa Crescent road. First Moto competitor due at approx 0900hrs.
• Photo opportunity at PC 2 (Service & Moto refuel) (W/point– N23 13.901 E53 10.529 36 Kms up Gayathi Road (E15) north of the roundabout junction with Liwa Crescent road. First Moto competitor due at approx 0945hrs.
• PC 3, route crosses main road at Geyathi/Liwa roundabout (N23 00.054 E53 25.407) at 1105 hrs and route continues parallel to south of main road , running east, with occasional good viewpoints, before heading into the desert
• ADNOC SS 2 Finish is on Tal Morib road, approx 17 kms south of main crescent road at 1215 hrs

The post CHAMPIONS CHASE PLACE IN DESERT CHALLENGE RECORD BOOKS appeared first on Core Sector Communique.

Ever present Al Helei and Desert Fox Stanovnik reflect true spirit of UAE’s classic desert rally – Sulayem

  Abu Dhabi, UAE, 24 March, 2015: One very familiar face will be missing when the world’s top cross country rally stars battle the Rubi Al Khali next week, but another competitor will extend his 100% appearance record in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge powered by Nissan.

Miran Stanovnik, the veteran rider from Slovenia, misses the event’s 25^th edition because of a training injury, ending an unbroken run of 19 appearances since the rally was extended to include bikes in 1995. reflecting

UAE driver Yahya Al Helei, meanwhile, adds to his remarkable record as the only competitor to start every Desert Challenge since the event was launched in 1991.

“We’re disappointed that Miran can’t make it this year, but probably not as disappointed as he is,” said ATCUAE President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the rally founder.

“He loves the event, and has become part of the Desert Challenge family who keep coming back year after year because of the special nature of the rally, and the camaraderie that exists among competitors. We’ll miss him, but he already told me he’ll be back next year.”

Added Sulayem: “Yahya’ is another of the great characters of the Desert Challenge. It’s amazing that he hasn’t missed one year, but on top of that he has produced some fantastic performances, showing that Emiratis can compete with the best in the world.”

Boasting a string of production class wins and impressive overall finishes, Al Helei is back in action next week in the Nissan Pick up which he took to a spending fourth place last year, losing a podium place by just eight seconds.

The ebullient Emirati is known best for his appearance on four wheels, although he once  tackled the event on a bike, reaching the bivouac well after darkness after encountering mechanical problems and navigating by the stars.

Stanovnik, meanwhile, as a result of his exploits in the Desert Challenge and 19 Dakar Rally appearances, has earned the nickname of the Desert Fox. He finished fifth in the UAE last year and at 50 remains a formidable competitor.

Once a member of the former Yugoslavia’s national athletics team, he was a recruit in President Tito’s Guard, later a Commander in the Slovenian Territorial Defence, and also found time to be a semi-professional footballer and cyclist.

He is currently recovering from an elbow injury at home in Log-Brezovica, near the Solvenian capital of Ljubljana, which brings back memories for Sulayem and Desert Challenge clerk of the course Ronan Morgan.

They competed there in 1989 in the Saturnus Rally when they were invited to meet the mayor, the position now held by Stanovnik just down the road.

Taking place under the patronage of H.H.Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western region, the 25th Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is the second round of this year’s FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies for cars and the opening round of the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship for bikes.

The Nissan Patrol, the “Hero of All terrain in Life”, is positioned for the 12th year as the official vehicle of the event

The line-up of strategic partners includes the Ruler’s Court in the Western Region, Western Region Municipality, Abu Dhabi Municipality, the UAE Army, Abu Dhabi Police, National Ambulance Service, Nissan, Yas Marina Circuit, ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Aviation, Abu Dhabi Waste Management, Rotana and Centro Hotels – Yas Island, Qasr Al Sarab Resort, Explorer and DP World.

The post YAHYA KEEPS DESERT CHALLENGE RECORD INTACT AS THE MAYOR FROM SLOVENIA MISSES OUT appeared first on Core Sector Communique.