34th Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge Gears Up for an Exciting and Thrilling Showdown

Photo: WAM

A world-class lineup of drivers and riders is all set to conquer the towering dunes of Abu Dhabi in Round 2 of the FIA and FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC). The final entry list is now confirmed for the much-awaited 2025 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. From February 21 to 27, motorsport legends and rising talents will battle in this thrilling, week-long event, which kicks off in Al Ain.

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The 34th edition of this famous desert race promises non-stop excitement, with 165 vehicles registered, including cars, bikes, and, for the first time this season, quads. These competitors represent 30 different countries, uniting seasoned champions, emerging talents, and private enthusiasts, all ready to face one of the toughest motorsport challenges on the planet.

Aref Al Awani, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, highlighted the importance of the event: "The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is a key event in the UAE's sporting calendar and a significant fixture in the global motorsport world. The strong entry list shows how important this race has become, and this year promises some intense competition. We are proud to support an event that attracts the world's best drivers and riders, showcasing the UAE as a global hub for sporting excellence."

Khalid Bin Sulayem, President of the Emirates Motorsports Organisation (EMSO), echoed this excitement: "With a top-tier field confirmed, the UAE is ready to host an action-packed second round of the World Rally-Raid Championship. This year's route is one of the most challenging in the event's history, with a marathon stage spread across two days for both bikes and cars. This will push every competitor to their absolute limits."

In the "Ultimate" car category, reigning World Rally-Raid champion Nasser Al-Attiyah will be back to defend his 2024 title in a Dacia Sandrider. He will face stiff competition from motorsport superstar Sébastien Loeb, a nine-time FIA World Rally Champion, who will also be driving for the Dacia team.

Toyota Gazoo Racing enters the race as the defending world champion team, following Yazeed Al Rajhi's stunning victory at Dakar. Meanwhile, Ford M-Sport is making waves with their strong performance after Mattias Ekström secured a third-place finish at Dakar 2025 in the new Raptor T1. The X-Raid Mini team also returns, led by Belgian driver Guillaume De Mevius, who is determined to recover after his unfortunate crash on Stage 2 last year.

The "Challenger" class is equally competitive. Argentina's Nicolas Cavigliasso, fresh from his Dakar 2025 victory, is ready to lead the pack. In the SSV class, the newly formed Liwa Team UAE brings together experienced drivers Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi and Mansour Al-Helei, the 2024 class winner, both driving Can-Am Maverick cars. Other notable Emirati participants include Yahya Al Helei, Atif Al Zarouni, and Khalid Aljafla, who finished as the runner-up in the 2024 World Cup for the Bajas Challenger class.

The bike category also promises intense competition. Ross Branch, the reigning World Champion, will spearhead Hero MotoSports, the team that celebrated its first Rally-Raid win at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. However, KTM Factory Racing, with 23 previous wins at this event, will pose a significant challenge. Their team is led by Daniel Sanders, the Dakar 2025 champion.

Adding to the local excitement, UAE rider Mohammed Balooshi will compete alongside Marwan Alrahmani and Abdulla Lanjawi. Monster Energy Honda HRC also returns this year with top contenders like Ricky Brabec and Adrian Van Beveren, the 2023 winner, after missing last year's event.

This year, quads will make their debut in the 2025 championship. Local legend Abdulaziz Ahli is eyeing his fifth consecutive Desert Challenge title, hoping to add another trophy to his impressive collection.

The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is known for its tough conditions and stunning desert scenery. After last month's Dakar Rally, where fog dramatically affected the final stages, competitors are eager for a fresh battle in Abu Dhabi's Empty Quarter. The race will not only test their speed but also their endurance, strategy, and mental toughness.

With top drivers, tricky desert terrain, and unpredictable challenges, the 2025 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge promises to deliver a spectacular showdown. Motorsport fans worldwide will be watching closely as these brave competitors race across the golden sands of the UAE, aiming to conquer one of the world's most demanding desert events.

Feb. 15, 2025 11:13 a.m. 481

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