The UAE’s Yahya Al Helei extended his perfect appearance record at the 25th Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge on Sunday, outshining the world’s best drivers to take the lead after the first day of competition.
Partnered by Emirati co-driver Khalid Al Kindi in a Nissan Pick-up, Al Helei won the 262km Yas Marina Circuit Special Stage 1 in impressive style to take a 1 mins 54 secs overall lead from reigning FIA World Cup champion Vladimir Vasilyev, last year’s cars winner, in a Mini.
Brazilian Reinaldo Varela in a Toyota Hilux finished the leg in third, with Dakar Rally champion Nasser Al-Attiyah, the UAE’s Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi and Dutchman Erik Van Loon completing the top six.
In the battle of the bikes, reigning FIM world champion Marc Coma of Spain once again looked in complete control in the desert of the Western Region, taking a lead of 1.21 secs from his KTM teammate, Dubai-based British rider Sam Sunderland.
But Al Helei, the man who has previously contested the Desert Challenge 23 times in a car and once on a bike, was the star of the day, despite a nervous last section when he was hindered by gearbox problems.
“I spent AED1 million to turn my car from T2 to T1 because I want to win this rally,” Al Helei said. “The other drivers have factory cars, but I wanted to show that the most important thing is how strong is the driver, not the car.
“I had a good day, but for the last 80 kms I had transmission problems, sometimes losing fourth gear and third gear. I was happy to finish, and tomorrow I hope for another good day.”
Making it an even better day for the host country, Al Qassimi produced a splendid drive on his Desert Challenge debut to finish the day in fifth place.
“It was a great performance from Yaha, who has shown again what an accomplished driver he is,” said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, the rally organisers.
“It’s good to see an Emirati driver performing so well on this world stage, and it was encouraging as well to see Sheikh Khalid driving so confidently on his first attempt at the Desert Challenge.”
Coma was in commanding form on his KTM, and with defending champion Paulo Goncalves of Portugal more than four minutes further adrift in third.
“The first day has been tricky however everyone is excited and pushing,” Coma said. “I am happy and in a good position.”
Sunderland, who had been uncomfortable with his sixth place starting position on the day, produced an impressive performance.
“I gave it my all to gain ground and catch up with bikers in front,” Sunderland said. “It was difficult but I pushed myself really hard to get there.”
Portugal’s Ruben Faria, American Ricky Brabec and Austrian Matthias Walkner completed the top six, while top UAE rider Mohammed Al Balooshi looked comfortable in the presence of the world’s top riders, setting the seventh fastest time.
“I started the stage in third and stayed there almost until the first service,” Balooshi said. “I then stalled and Marc Coma passed me. It’s day one of four more long days. Anything can happen and it’s important to be smart and take it day by day.”
Provisional overall standings after Yas Marina Circuit SS1
CARS
1. Yahya Al Helei / Khalid Al Kindi (UAE / UAE) Nissan Pick up
2. Vladimir Vasilyev / Konstantin Zhiltsov (RUS / RUS) Mini All 4 Racing
3. Reinaldo Varela / Gustavo Gugelmin (BRA / BRA) Toyota Hilux
4. Nasser Al-Attiyah / Mathieu Baumel (QAT / FRA) Mini All 4 Racing
5. Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi / Jose Marques (UAE / POR) Toyota Hilux
6. Erik Van Loon / Wouter Rosegaar (NED / NED) Mini All 4 Racing
7. Harry Hunt / Andreas Schulz (GBR / DEU) Mini All 4 Racing T1.2
8. Miroslav Zapletal / Maciej Marton (CZE / POL) Hummer H3 Evo T1
9. Marek Dabrowski / Jacek Czachor (POL / POL) Toyota Hilux Overdrive
10. Stephan Schott / Xavier Panseri (DEU / FRA) Minin All 4 Racing T1.2
BIKES
1. Marc Coma (SPA) KTM 450 Rally Replica 1
2. Sam Sunderland (GBR) KTM 450 Rally Replica 1
3. Paulo Goncalves (POR) Honda CRF 450 Rally 1
4. Ruben Faria (POR) KTM 450 Rally Replica 1
5. Ricky Brabec (USA) Honda CRF 450 Rally 1 J
6. Matthias Walkner (AUT) KTM 450 Rally Replica 1
7. Mohammad Al Balooshi (UAE) KTM 450 Rally Replica 1
8. Pablo Quintanilla (CHI) KTM 450 Rally Replica 1
9. Armand Monleon (POL) KTM 450 Rally Replica 1
10. Juan Salvatierra (BOL) KTM 450 Rally Replica 1
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