The second day of the administrative and technical checks of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge on the Yas Marina circuit takes place on a clear sky and 35° C. After these checks, ??? motorcycles and ??? quads are allowed to start this 27th edition of the ADDC.
While the factory teams, KTM, Husqvarna and Honda pass the various inspections for motorcycles and riders equipments: helmets, gloves ... Pablo Quintanilla has an enigmatic smile. The Chilean looks at his Husqvarna, with stars in his eyes: "Starting the season with No. 1 is something very special," he says. "Looking at it, it is not difficult to feel its emotion: the N° 1 of the FIM World Champion of the Cross-Country Rallies, is the culmination of a year of work, a season full of races, tension, hopes, despair at times, and laurels under the checkered flag. A truly sporting and human adventure that marks the career of a pilot with a white stone!
Next to him, Antoine Meo (KTM) is happy to find himself again in his suit: "A year without driving is long ... I was operated five times after my fall at the Dakar 2016 But all this is behind me. Today I am there, in shape but I lack of kilometers. To return to the top and take the pace I will need 6 months I think ... »
For Kevin Benavides (Honda), as for Antoine, it will be the baptism of fire: "This is the first time I participate in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge," explains the young Argentinian. I look forward to discovering the great dunes that everyone describes as exceptional! "
Benjamin Melot won the first stage of the Baja Dubai and was second in the overall standings. "I will only participate in this rally," said the Dubai-living French, "and I'm glad that the Duust Rally Team could lend me a 450 KTM because in Dubai I had a 500 and I could not score points in the championship ... »
In quad, Rafal Sonik will launch to the conquest of his 5th title while the ??? Other quadrants will have a lot to do to counter the Pole who every year reinforce their experience and tenacity.
This year, many new riders arrive from all over the world to compete in the FIM Cross-Country Rally Championship, including Alexis Hernandez. "This is the first time I have ever been to Abu Dhabi," explains the Peruvian, "and the very first time I run out of South America! I participated in the Dakar 2016 but not this year because I broke my left shoulder. In order to prepare well for this next challenge, which will start from my home, I will participate in all the FIM 2017 World Championship! "
On his jacket, Alexis is wearing a #DelPeruParaElMundo to help the victims of the last inclement weather in Peru and give them a little joy by taking them to the dunes of Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge
Connections: 749 km
Specials: 1339 km
Total: 2087 km
• Thursday 30 and Friday 31 March: Administrative and technical checks Yas Marina Circuit
• Saturday 1st April: Super Special (Stage 1) Al Forsan International Sports Resort
• Sunday 2nd April: 1st Special (Stage 2) Yas Marina Circuit
• Monday 3rd April: 2nd Special (Stage 3) Nissan
• Tuesday 4th April: 3rd Special (Stage 4) Al Ain Water
• Wednesday 5th April: 4th Special (Stage 5) ADNOC Distribution
• Thursday 6th April: 5th Special (Stage 6) Abu Dhabi Aviation and arrival at the Yas Marina Circuit.
The different TV channels that will broadcast the 26' of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge:
Econet Media (Worldwide)
EdgeSports (WorldWide)
Fox Sports Asia
Fox Sports Australia
FOX Sports Europe
MTOD (USA / Canada / Europe)
Opensport (Spain)
Sky Vision / Express Sport
SPORT TV Portugal
Judith Tomaselli