Glittering prize giving rounds off Desert Challenge

Sulayem presents trophies as UAE’s world class rally reaches climax at Yas Marina Circuit

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 4 April, 2015:  The 25th Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge POWERED by Nissan came to a climax with a glittering gala dinner and prize giving ceremony at Yas Marina Circuit.

ATCUAE President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Tarek Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit, presented trophies to the winners in all categories at the conclusion of the event, which was held under the patronage of H.H.Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western region.

The winners included Russia’s Vladimir Vasilyev, who captured the cars title for the second year in a row, and Spain’s Marco Coma who secured the Desert Challenge bikes crown for the eighth time.

Two trophies went to UAE competitors, with Ahmed Al Fahim taking winning the T3 buggies  category and fellow-Emirati Mansour Al Helei capturing the T2 production class cars title. Qatar’s Mohammed Abu Issa won the Desert Challenge quads crown for the second time in three years.

The Desert Challenge was the second round of this year’s FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies for cars and the opening round of the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship for bikes.

The Nissan Patrol, the “Hero of All terrain in Life”, was positioned for the 12th year as the official vehicle of the event.

The line-up of strategic partners included the Ruler’s Court in the Western Region, Western Region Municipality, Abu Dhabi Municipality, the UAE Army, Abu Dhabi Police, National Ambulance Service, Nissan, Yas Marina Circuit, ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Aviation, Al Ain Mineral Water, Abu Dhabi Waste Management, Rotana and Centro Hotels - Yas Island, Qasr Al Sarab Resort, Explorer and DP World.