DUBAI: Nissan Middle East has pledged once again to back the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE in its continued drive to raise the profile of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge on the world stage. The 2016 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge powered by Nissan sees the Patrol, the “Hero of All terrain in Life”, positioned for the 13th year as the official vehicle of the event. Running from 3-7 April, the rally will form the second round of this year’s FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies. Samir Cherfan, Managing Director, Nissan Middle East, said: “The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is one of the most prominent desert rallies in the world and we are proud to be named the title sponsor of an event with such global prestige.
“Nissan Patrols plays a key role in the desert challenge, not only being used by the organisers to scout out the course and as support vehicles, but as strong competitors. Last year Nissan Patrol drivers secured all top four positions in T2.1 Class and Third and Fourth place in T1.1This year we can confirm we will again be sponsoring Emil Khneisser, reigning Emirates Desert Championship T2 champion.” Taking place under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is also the first round of the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship for bikes and quads. Each year the Nissan Patrol plays a crucial role in the planning and staging of the event.
Over the past years, the Nissan Patrol has carried the route planning team deep into the UAE’s Western Region of Al Garbia, crossing a sea of giant dunes to carve out the competitive stages, which will test competitors and their rally machinery to the limit next month. Throughout the event, a fleet of Nissan Patrols will be at the disposal of the organizers to ensure the event runs smoothly to its conclusion. “Nissan has become an invaluable partner in our work to promote and develop the Desert Challenge, and I’m pleased to extend this relationship for the next three years so that we can increase the event’s exposure in the future,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the ATCUAE, the rally organizers, and President of Emirates Motor Sports Federation.
“Nissan Middle East shares our enthusiasm for the Desert Challenge, as well as our commitment to its long-term success, and I’m confident this partnership will guarantee that the event continues to set the standard in the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies.” The Nissan Special Stage, taking place on Wednesday, April 6, will be arguably the rally’s toughest section, stretching across some 258.10 kms of the most testing rallying terrain available. More than 150competitors from around the world will tackle the 25th Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. The action begins on April 2 with a spectator stage at Al Forsan Off-Road Race of Champions Circuit in Abu Dhabi, which is also the finishing point for the rally on April 7, following five days of cross country rallying at its best.
