The final stage of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge brought competitors to the finish line in Abu Dhabi after six arduous days. With a closing route of 364 kilometers, including 167 kilometers against the clock, the tension remained high until the very end. Nasser Al Attiyah (The Dacia Sandriders) secured the overall victory in the car category, while Daniel Sanders (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) confirmed his dominance in the motorcycle division. For Dutch participants Kees Koolen and Puck Klaassen, the rally ended with respectable performances.
FIA: Al Attiyah Claims Fifth Title, Klaassen Impresses with Fifth Place in Challenger
Nasser Al Attiyah once again proved why he is one of the greatest rally drivers. After a strong final stage, he not only clinched the victory but also took the lead in the W2RC standings. Lucas Moraes (+2’28”) and Seth Quintero (+11’56”) completed the podium.
In the Challenger class, Dania Akeel (BBR Motorsport) made history by becoming the first woman ever to win a W2RC rally. Puck Klaassen finished the rally with a strong fifth place in the final stage, 6’38” behind stage winner Yasir Seaidan. In the overall classification, the Dutch competitor secured 11th place, partly due to earlier time penalties caused by engine issues.
SSV: Gaspari Makes History for Italy
Enrico Gaspari (MMP) achieved a milestone by securing Italy’s first-ever victory in the SSV class. He outpaced Michele Cinotto (Xtreme Plus Polaris) and Alexandre Pinto (Old Friends Rally Team), who still retains the championship lead.
FIM: Sanders Confirms Status as Top Favorite, Koolen Wins Veterans’ Class
Daniel Sanders successfully defended his lead in the final stage, securing a commanding victory in the motorcycle category. He finished ahead of Ricky Brabec (+5’47”) and Tosha Schareina (+6’04”) in the overall standings.
For Kees Koolen, the rally was a success. He finished 23rd in the final stage and secured victory in the veterans’ class with a staggering 47-minute lead over the runner-up. “Today, I took it easy and finished safely. Despite finishing as the third veteran of the day, I was still 15 seconds faster than the second-placed competitor in the veterans’ standings,” said Koolen. “Some participants missed a strategically placed waypoint, which caused some time differences.”
Rally2: Docherty Wins Undefeated
Michael Docherty (SRG Motorsports) completed his dominant streak with a fifth consecutive stage win, convincingly securing the overall victory in the Rally2 class. Konrad Dąbrowski finished second, with Tobias Ebster in third. Docherty is now a serious contender for the world title.
Quads: CFMoto Scores One-Two Finish
Antanas Kanopkinas and Gaëtan Martinez delivered a historic 1-2 finish for Chinese manufacturer CFMoto Thunder Racing in the quad category. Marek Łój took third place, with Marcin Wilkołek in fourth. Kanopkinas now heads into the W2RC season as the championship leader.
Looking Ahead: Off to South Africa
With the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge now behind them, rally competitors set their sights on the next challenge: the South African Safari Rally, scheduled from May 18 to 24. This new event in the W2RC calendar promises to be another epic battle!
