World-class lineup set for Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge

A strong line-up of over 150 competitors from around the world is starting to gather for the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (ADDC).

Teams are arriving in the UAE capital as their preparations begin for the eagerly awaited showdown from February 25 to March 3 in Al Dhafra region.

The entry list has grown by nearly 35 per cent since last year for the Desert Challenge, which is now the second round in the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC).

Rally organisers, the Emirates Motorsports Organization (EMSO), have released the final entry list, with anticipation high for yet another epic battle.

Aref Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), said: “We appreciate the pioneering role of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, and his generous sponsorship of this 32nd edition of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.

“The event comes as an extension of Abu Dhabi's pioneering efforts in hosting elite international sporting events, and the wider mission to become the ideal destination for the best athletes in the world.”

Top contenders from all over have signed up to take on one of the most demanding routes in the calendar.

Defending W2RC Champion Nasser Al-Attiyah enters the Desert Challenge under pressure, sitting two points behind Sébastien Loeb in the standings.

Rounding out the top three is Guerlain Chicherit, who won two stages in the Dakar Rally which opened the 2023 championship.

On the bikes, the best from the FIM championship will take on the Empty Quarter.

Sam Sunderland, who chases down his fourth ADDC victory, will take on championship leader Kevin Benavides, and current runner-up Toby Price - the 2016 winner in Abu Dhabi.

Winners of the 2022 FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas and FIM Bajas World Cup, Yazeed Al-Rajhi and Konrad Dabrowski, will also be taking to the dunes of Al Dhafra.

Alongside these familiar faces, there will be fresh talent at this year’s ADDC.

Chinese manufacturer BAIC enters the Desert Challenge for the first time, with drivers Yungang Zi, Yunliang Zi, Guoyu Zhang pushing themselves to the limit in the deserts of Abu Dhabi.

Also hailing from China, Tian Po and Han Wei will be racing for the Hanwei motorsport team, while Japanese driver Shinsuke Umeda and rider Yoshio Ikemachi represent more exciting talent from the far East.

Khalid Bin Sulayem, the EMSO’s President, commented: “We’re excited to be welcoming the World Rally-Raid Championship back to the UAE for a second time.

“The EMSO continues to work hard to build upon the 32 year history of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in an innovative and sustainable way, and we could not do this without our collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Our long-term partnership with the Sports Council extends beyond our work on the Desert Challenge, and embodies the progress we are making towards a strong future for our local community that is centred around sporting events.”