Saudi driver Essa Al-Dossari of ED Racing Team is looking for a strong result when he starts the 2019 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, which is the second round of FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Rallies, to be held on March 30 – April 4.
The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge kicks-off on Saturday with a short special super stage at the Yas Marina Circuit, a state-of-the-art racing circuit, which has hosted many motorsport races, including Formula One’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The five-day rally will comprise five special stages set up in the harsh desert of the Liwa in Al Dhafra region, which forms part of the vast Al Rub’a Al Khali (Empty Quarter) desert.
Essa’s co-driver for the event will be Emirati Ali Hassan Obaid. The duo will compete in the T1 Class Pickup vehicle which is being tuned by South Africa’s Red Lined Team. Essa wants to make up for a disappointing performance at Dubai International Baja, two weeks ago, where he finished 11th after a mechanical breakdown during the competitions.
Unlike the last year, when Essa suffered an accident where his car was damaged beyond repair, this year it was not the case as he could continue on in the rally after a solid work by the team, who are ready for the Abu Dhabi challenge.
“Our participation in Abu Dhabi is very important, in order to demonstrate our capabilities and also to refine our capabilities by competing with world-class drivers,” says Essa. “We look forward to competing for the top positions and improving our skills in driving on the huge dunes of Al Rub’a Al Khali.”
“We are finalising our preparations to compete in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, looking forward to delivering our best and hope to end the rally on the podium and compete with other drivers.”
The technical inspection and scrutineering will take place at the Yas Marina Circuit, which will host the rally’s headquarter and also the special super stage, while the bivouac will be set up in Liwa Desert. The competitors will return to the circuit on the final day of the prize giving ceremony.