Nasser Al Attiyah is edging closer to his second victory in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge as he made it three stage wins out of three Tuesday.
The Qatari, partnered by French co-driver Mathieu Baumel, was fastest on the 280km Al Ain Water Stage in his Toyota Hilux to extend his lead to 15 minutes, 19 seconds in the car’s category from last year’s winner Vladimir Vasilyev.
Read more on the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge:
• UAE in focus: Former Dakar and ADDC winner says Abu Dhabi desert 'feels like heaven'
• A two-week love affair 18 years ago has never ended for Mohammed Al Balooshi
• Qatar's Nasser Al Attiyah extends his lead on Day 2 of Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge
Al Attiyah said of his performance: “It was a good day. I got into good rhythm early on.
“There are some sharp dunes but the Toyota worked really well, and the navigation was perfect.”
Vasilyev’s ambitions of a third successive win are beginning to look slim, but the Russian was upbeat on his chances.
“We started four minutes after Nasser so couldn’t catch him, but we made no mistakes, had no punctures, we didn’t get stuck,” he said. “No problems so we are very happy.”
Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi slipped to third in the standings behind Vasilyev, with Poland’s Jakub Przygonski, Finn Mikko Hirvonen and American Bryce Menzies completing the top six.
Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi moved up to seventh in his Abu Dhabi Racing Mini, and the Emirati said: “We had a few ups and downs and some sections were very rough and took a lot to get out of as it was soft. But we got out and we made it here so it’s good.”
In the bike’s competition, Toby Price regained his lead over Pablo Quintanilla.
The stage was won by Portuguese rider Helder Rodrigues, but Price’s efforts were quick enough to put him back at the top of the leaderboard after he had led on Sunday.
“There’s more and more and more sand, but it was a good trip on the bike and I caught the guys ahead,” the Australian said.
“It was a long day but a great one, and I’m always having fun.”
Dubai-based Sam Sunderland also moved ahead of Quintanilla and is 57 seconds behind Price with two stages remaining.
“After Toby caught us he led the way for most of the stage and we just had to follow him after that,” the Briton said.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Al Balooshi is in fourth place, despite the Emirati rider crashing during Tuesday’s stage.
He said: “I was running really well until 218km, then I had quite a big crash. It was bad call from my side.
“I hit a boulder and bent my front wheel. After that I took it slow but still managed a good time.”
Wednesday’s Adnoc Stage 4 is 258km long, with the event finishing at Yas Marina Circuit Thursday afternoon.
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport
