The Liwa desert and beyond will lay out a brown carpet to challenge-seekers in the 23rd edition of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge that will take place in April under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region.
Schlesser will again partner with Russian co-driver Konstantin Zhilstov in his familiar Sonangol Buggy.
Jean-Louis Schlesser is aiming to build on his record six victories in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. The duo will defend their title won in an eventful battle with the UAE’s Khalifa Al-Mutaiwei last year.
Starting and finishing at Yas Marina Circuit and taking place entirely within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the 2013 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge once again takes competitors on a testing journey through the spectacular desert terrain of the Western Region of Al Garbi. Reaching deep into the Liwa desert, the route stretches across towering dunes and challenging plains, testing drivers, riders, and machinery to the limit.
Shlessen says,"You are bound to make mistakes in an event as difficult as this, but the secret is to make as few mistakes as possible, and not to break the car."
After scrutineering, a super special stage flags off the challenge on 6 April leading to five days of competitive desert stages. Taking place from 4-11 April, the 2013 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is the second of eight rounds in the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies for cars and trucks, and the first of six rounds in the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship for bikes.
